Inklingo

How to Say "layer" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “layer” is “capa” — use 'capa' for a distinct covering of something like paint, dust, or a material spread over a surface.

English → Spanish

capa

KAH-pahˈkapa

nounB1general
Use 'capa' for a distinct covering 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-nohˈma.no

nounB1general
Use 'mano' specifically for 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-mahˈka.ma

nounB2general
Use 'cama' when referring to a base or bed-like surface, often for items being transported or stored, like the bed of a truck.
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.

manto

mahn-tohˈmanto

nounB2general
Use 'manto' for a widespread, often natural, covering like snow or a geological layer.
A thick layer of white snow covering a small wooden house and the surrounding trees.

Examples

Un manto de nieve cubrió toda la ciudad durante la noche.

A blanket of snow covered the whole city during the night.

El manto terrestre es la capa más gruesa del planeta.

The Earth's mantle is the thickest layer of the planet.

La ciudad quedó oculta bajo un manto de neblina.

The city remained hidden under a shroud of mist.

Describing Layers

When you want to say something is 'covered in' a layer of something else, use the structure 'manto de' + [the material].

Confusing Science Terms

Mistake: “Saying 'el mantel de la Tierra'.”

Correction: Say 'el manto de la Tierra'. A 'mantel' is what you put on a dinner table!

estrato

es-TRA-tohesˈtɾato

nounB2general
Use 'estrato' for distinct horizontal levels, especially in geology or social structures.
A slice of a tall cake showing several distinct, colorful horizontal layers of different flavors.

Examples

Esta ley beneficia a los estratos más pobres de la población.

This law benefits the poorest layers (strata) of the population.

El arqueólogo encontró restos antiguos en el tercer estrato de la excavación.

The archaeologist found ancient remains in the third layer of the excavation.

Hoy el cielo está cubierto por un estrato gris.

Today the sky is covered by a gray stratus cloud.

Always Masculine

The word 'estrato' is masculine. Even when talking about society ('la sociedad'), you must use masculine markers: 'el estrato' or 'un estrato'.

Describing the layer

In Spanish, we usually put the description (adjective) after the word. For example, 'estrato bajo' (low layer) or 'estrato alto' (high layer).

Estrato vs. Estatus

Mistake: “Using 'estrato' to mean personal prestige.”

Correction: Use 'estrato' for a group or layer of people, and 'estatus' for an individual's social standing or prestige.

lecho

LE-choˈletʃo

nounC1general
Use 'lecho' to describe a bed or foundation of something, typically food or soft material.
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.

Distinguishing 'capa' from 'mano'

Learners often confuse 'capa' and 'mano' when talking about paint. Remember, 'capa' refers to any general layer or coat, while 'mano' specifically means one single application of paint.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.