tapa
es
en
Change language
Translating...
lid, cover, cap, cover, panel
/ˈtapa/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
An outer piece that closes, covers, or protects something.
Examples
Cierra bien la tapa del frasco.
Close the jar lid tightly.
Usaron la tapa del baúl como asiento.
They used the trunk lid as a seat.
El mecánico quitó la tapa del motor.
The mechanic removed the engine cover.
El título aparece grabado en la tapa del libro.
The title is embossed on the book cover.
Levantó la tapa de la caja con cuidado.
She carefully lifted the box lid.
Similar words
cubierta
protección
tacón
cubierta
tapadera
placa
cobertura
pincho
tablero
aperitivo
Meanings
Examples
Cierra bien la tapa del frasco.
Close the jar lid tightly.
La tapa de la olla estaba muy caliente.
The pot lid was very hot.
Perdí la tapa del bolígrafo.
I lost the pen cap.
Levantó la tapa de la caja con cuidado.
She carefully lifted the box lid.
La botella lleva una tapa de rosca.
The bottle has a screw cap.
Similar words
tapadera
cubierta
cobertura
cierre
Examples
El mecánico quitó la tapa del motor.
The mechanic removed the engine cover.
La tapa de la alcantarilla estaba suelta.
The manhole cover was loose.
Atornillaron la tapa del cuadro eléctrico.
They screwed on the electrical box cover.
Falta una tapa en la parte trasera del armario.
A panel is missing from the back of the cabinet.
No pises la tapa de plástico del registro.
Do not step on the plastic inspection cover.
Similar words
cubierta
placa
panel
protección
Examples
El título aparece grabado en la tapa del libro.
The title is embossed on the book cover.
La novela tiene las tapas duras.
The novel has hard covers.
Pegó una etiqueta en la tapa del cuaderno.
She stuck a label on the notebook cover.
La tapa trasera incluye una breve reseña.
The back cover includes a short review.
Las tapas se separaron del lomo.
The covers came away from the spine.
Examples
Apoyó las llaves sobre la tapa de la mesa.
He put the keys on the table top.
La tapa del escritorio es de roble.
The desk top is made of oak.
Pintaron de blanco la tapa del arcón.
They painted the chest top white.
La humedad deformó la tapa de madera.
Damp warped the wooden top.
Usaron la tapa del baúl como asiento.
They used the trunk lid as a seat.
Similar words
superficie
cubierta
tablero
parte superior
Examples
Nos pusieron una tapa de aceitunas con la bebida.
They served us a small plate of olives with our drinks.
Pedimos varias tapas para compartir.
We ordered several tapas to share.
Este bar sirve una tapa distinta cada día.
This bar serves a different tapa every day.
La tapa de tortilla llegó recién hecha.
The tortilla tapa arrived freshly made.
Salimos de tapas por el centro.
We went out for tapas downtown.
Similar words
aperitivo
pincho
bocado
entremés
Examples
El informe describe una lesión en la tapa del cráneo.
The report describes an injury to the skull cap.
La tapa ósea protege la cavidad.
The bony plate protects the cavity.
El cirujano examinó la tapa anatómica.
The surgeon examined the anatomical covering.
La imagen muestra la tapa que cubre el órgano.
The image shows the covering over the organ.
Este sentido técnico de tapa es poco frecuente fuera de la anatomía.
This technical sense of tapa is uncommon outside anatomy.
Similar words
cubierta
placa
membrana
protección
Examples
El zapatero cambió la tapa del tacón.
The cobbler replaced the heel tip.
Se soltó una tapa del zapato al caminar.
A shoe-heel cap came loose while she was walking.
Las tapas de goma hacen menos ruido.
Rubber heel tips make less noise.
Pidió que reforzaran la tapa del tacón.
He asked them to reinforce the heel piece.
Una tapa gastada puede hacer que el zapato se incline.
A worn heel tip can make the shoe tilt.
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, perhaps related to Gothic tappa, a form associated with plugs or stoppers.
FAQ
What does tapa usually mean?
It usually means a lid or cover. In food contexts, especially in Spain, it means a small dish served with a drink or shared with others.
Is tapa masculine or feminine?
It is feminine: la tapa in the singular and las tapas in the plural.
What is the plural of tapa?
The regular plural is tapas.
What is the difference between a tapa and a ración?
A tapa is normally a small serving, while a ración is a larger plate intended for one person or for sharing.
Does tapa mean the front cover of a book?
It can name either outer cover of a bound book. Portada more specifically names the title or front cover page.
Does tapa also come from the verb tapar?
The spelling is also used for forms of tapar, but this headword covers the lexical noun and not ordinary verb inflections.
Where does tapa come from?
Its origin is uncertain, although dictionaries have connected it with a Germanic form similar to Gothic tappa.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.