Lael logo

cocina means kitchen — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 25, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

cocina

noun • /[koh-SEE-nah]/

kitchen

Example:

La cocina está muy limpia.

The kitchen is very clean.

🧠 What does cocina mean?

The word 'cocina' is a feminine noun in Spanish that refers to the room in a house or building where food is prepared and cooked. It is the primary space for culinary activities. Beyond its literal meaning as a room, 'cocina' can also refer to the style or type of cooking associated with a particular region or culture, for example, 'cocina española' (Spanish cuisine) or 'cocina mexicana' (Mexican cuisine). The verb form 'cocinar' means 'to cook'.

📚 Extra examples

  • La nueva cocina de la casa es muy espaciosa.
    The new kitchen in the house is very spacious.
  • Me encanta probar la cocina de diferentes países.
    I love trying the cuisine of different countries.
  • Necesitamos comprar algunos electrodomésticos para la cocina.
    We need to buy some appliances for the kitchen.
  • La abuela prepara la mejor cocina tradicional.
    Grandmother prepares the best traditional cooking.

💡 Did You Know?

'Cocina' derives from the Latin word 'coquere', meaning 'to cook'. This root is also shared with English words like 'cook' and 'concoct'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cocina"

Synonyms: estancia para cocinar, comedor (sometimes, if cooking and eating are combined), gastronomía (for cuisine aspect), arte culinario (for cuisine aspect)
Opposites: comedor (when referring to a separate dining room), dormitorio (bedroom), salón (living room)

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'kitchen' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'kitchen' is 'cocina'.
How do you pronounce 'cocina' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'cocina' is koh-SEE-nah. The 'c' before 'i' sounds like 's' in most of Latin America and parts of Spain, or like 'th' in Spain (ceceo/seseo variation).
How do you use 'cocina' in a sentence?
It is used as a noun referring to the room where food is prepared, or as a noun referring to cuisine or a style of cooking. For example, 'La cocina está sucia' (The kitchen is dirty) or 'La cocina italiana es famosa' (Italian cuisine is famous).
What is the English translation of 'cocina'?
The primary English translation of 'cocina' is 'kitchen'. It can also mean 'cuisine' or 'cookery'.
Does 'cocina' change for gender or number?
As a noun, 'cocina' is feminine singular. The plural form is 'cocinas', which refers to multiple kitchens or, in some contexts, multiple styles of cuisine.
Is 'cocina' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'cocina' is a very common and essential word in everyday Spanish, referring to a fundamental part of any home and a key aspect of culture.
Does 'cocina' have slang or double meanings?
While 'cocina' primarily refers to the physical kitchen space or cuisine, the verb 'cocinar' (to cook) can sometimes be used metaphorically to mean 'to concoct' or 'to plot' something, but this is less common with the noun 'cocina' itself.
Is 'cocina' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning of 'cocina' as 'kitchen' and 'cuisine' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Pronunciation differences, specifically with the 'c' sound before 'e' and 'i', exist due to the seseo and ceceo phenomena.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store