Inklingo

How to Say "layer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

capa

KAH-pah/ˈkapa/

nounB1general
Use 'capa' for a distinct covering or stratum of something like paint, dust, or a material spread over a surface.
A cross-section illustration showing three distinct, colorful layers of paint stacked on a surface, representing a layer of material.

Examples

Hay una capa de polvo muy gruesa sobre la mesa.

There is a very thick layer of dust on the table.

Necesitamos aplicar otra capa de pintura para que quede bien.

We need to apply another coat of paint so that it looks good.

La Tierra tiene varias capas, incluyendo la atmósfera.

The Earth has several layers, including the atmosphere.

Describing Thickness

To talk about how thick a layer is, use adjectives like 'gruesa' (thick) or 'fina' (thin), agreeing in gender: 'una capa fina'.

mano

/mah-noh//ˈma.no/

nounB1general
Use 'mano' to refer to a single application or coat of paint or similar substance.
A paintbrush applying a single, smooth layer of blue paint onto a neutral wall, showing a distinct coat.

Examples

La pared necesita una segunda mano de pintura.

The wall needs a second coat of paint.

Con una mano de barniz será suficiente.

One coat of varnish will be enough.

cama

/kah-mah//ˈka.ma/

nounB2general
Use 'cama' when referring to a base or bed of material, often in a practical context like a truck bed or a garden bed.
A piece of cooked salmon resting on a vibrant green layer of spinach on a white dining plate.

Examples

Pusimos las herramientas en la cama de la camioneta.

We put the tools in the bed of the truck.

El chef preparó el salmón sobre una cama de espinacas.

The chef prepared the salmon on a bed of spinach.

Debido a la sequía, se puede ver la cama del río.

Due to the drought, you can see the riverbed.

lecho

/LE-cho//ˈletʃo/

nounC1general
Use 'lecho' for a more formal or descriptive term for a bed or foundation of something, especially food or natural elements.
A thick layer of golden straw spread across the floor of a wooden barn.

Examples

Sirve el pescado sobre un lecho de verduras.

Serve the fish on a bed of vegetables.

Las semillas necesitan un lecho de tierra fértil.

The seeds need a bed of fertile soil.

Confusing 'capa' and 'mano'

Learners often confuse 'capa' and 'mano' when talking about paint. Remember, 'capa' refers to the layer of paint itself, while 'mano' refers to each individual application or coat.

Related Translations

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