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How to Say "shrub" in Spanish

English → Spanish

arbusto

ar-BOOS-tohaɾˈβusto

nounA2gardening and landscaping
Use 'arbusto' for a general term for a shrub, especially in gardening, landscaping, or when describing a plant with flowers or a specific ornamental purpose.
A lush, green, rounded shrub growing in a garden with small leaves and a woody base.

Examples

Hay un arbusto con flores rojas frente a la casa.

There is a shrub with red flowers in front of the house.

Necesitamos podar los arbustos del jardín este fin de semana.

We need to trim the bushes in the garden this weekend.

El conejo se escondió rápidamente detrás de un arbusto espeso.

The rabbit quickly hid behind a thick bush.

It's a 'boy' word

Even though it ends in 'o', it's helpful to remember it is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Making it plural

Since it ends in a vowel, you just add an 's' to talk about more than one: 'los arbustos'.

Confusing with 'arboleda'

Mistake: “Me gusta esta arbusto.”

Correction: Me gusta este arbusto. Remember that adjectives like 'este' must match the masculine gender of the word.

mato

MAH-tohˈma.to

nounB1informal
Use 'mato' to describe a small, dense, often low-growing woody plant, sometimes implying a wilder or less cultivated appearance, or a place where one might hide.
A single, dense, round, dark green leafy bush sitting alone in a simple sunny grassy field.

Examples

El perro se escondió entre el mato para evitar la lluvia.

The dog hid among the bush to avoid the rain.

Hay que podar ese mato, está tapando la ventana.

We have to prune that shrub; it's covering the window.

Gender Check

Even though it ends in 'o,' remember 'mato' is always masculine, so use 'el mato' or 'un mato'.

Using the wrong word for a tree

Mistake: “Calling a large tree 'un mato'.”

Correction: 'Mato' refers to a small, low plant. Use 'árbol' for a large tree.

Choosing Between 'Arbusto' and 'Mato'

The most common mistake is using 'mato' when 'arbusto' is more appropriate. 'Arbusto' is the default and most versatile term. Reserve 'mato' for situations where you specifically want to emphasize a small, dense, or wilder clump of vegetation.

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