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colchón means mattress — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: February 16, 2026

✈️ Travel Spanish

colchón

noun • /[col-CHON]/

mattress

Example:

El colchón era muy cómodo.

The mattress was very comfortable.

🧠 What does colchón mean?

A mattress is a padded top for a bed, often filled with springs, foam, or other soft materials, designed for comfort during sleep. In Spanish, 'colchón' refers to this essential item for a good night's rest, whether at home or while traveling. It is a masculine singular noun. When discussing accommodations such as hotels or hostels, knowing 'colchón' is useful for describing the quality or comfort of the sleeping arrangements.

📚 Extra examples

  • El hotel tiene colchones muy cómodos.
    The hotel has very comfortable mattresses.
  • Necesito comprar un colchón nuevo para mi cama.
    I need to buy a new mattress for my bed.
  • El colchón de aire se pinchó durante la noche.
    The air mattress deflated during the night.
  • Asegúrate de que el colchón esté limpio antes de usarlo.
    Make sure the mattress is clean before using it.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'colchón' derives from the Arabic word 'al-kuṭn', meaning 'cotton', reflecting early mattress fillings. While modern mattresses use a variety of materials, the historical connection to soft fillings remains.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "colchón"

Synonyms: lecho, somier

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'mattress' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'mattress' is 'colchón'.
How do you pronounce 'colchón' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is approximately 'kohl-CHOHN'. The 'c' is hard like in 'cat', the 'o' is short and unstressed, the 'ch' is as in 'church', and the 'ó' is stressed with a clear 'o' sound, followed by a nasal 'n'.
How do you use 'colchón' in a sentence?
'Colchón' is used to refer to a mattress. For example, 'Necesito un colchón nuevo.' (I need a new mattress.) or 'El colchón de la cama está viejo.' (The mattress on the bed is old.)
What is the English translation of 'colchón'?
The English translation of 'colchón' is 'mattress'.
Does 'colchón' change for gender or number?
As a noun, 'colchón' is masculine and singular. To refer to multiple mattresses, you would use 'colchones' (masculine plural).
Is 'colchón' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'colchón' is a common word used in everyday Spanish when discussing furniture, sleeping arrangements, or comfort.
Does 'colchón' have slang or double meanings?
While primarily referring to a mattress, in some informal contexts, 'colchón' can be used figuratively to mean a financial cushion or a safety net, implying a reserve of money or resources.
Is 'colchón' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word 'colchón' for mattress is standard and understood across all Spanish-speaking regions. Regional variations might exist for specific types of mattresses (e.g., 'colchón inflable' for air mattress).

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