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

📅 Published: February 9, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

cubiertos

noun • /[ku-BYER-tos]/

cutlery

Example:

Faltan los cubiertos en la mesa.

The cutlery is missing on the table.

🧠 What does cubiertos mean?

The noun 'cubiertos' refers to cutlery or silverware, the collective term for implements used for eating or serving food. It includes items such as a fork (tenedor), a knife (cuchillo), and a spoon (cuchara). It is a masculine noun and is most often used in its plural form, 'los cubiertos'.

📚 Extra examples

  • Por favor, pon los cubiertos en la mesa antes de que lleguen los invitados.
    Please, put the cutlery on the table before the guests arrive.
  • Este restaurante es famoso por sus cubiertos de plata.
    This restaurant is famous for its silver cutlery.
  • ¿Me puede traer un juego de cubiertos limpio?
    Can you bring me a clean set of cutlery?

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'cubiertos' is related to the verb 'cubrir', which means 'to cover'. Historically, 'cubierto' referred to the cloth used to cover food to protect it from poison or dust before serving. Over time, the meaning shifted to encompass the eating utensils that were placed upon or alongside this covering.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cubiertos"

Synonyms: cubertería, utensilios

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'cutlery' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'cutlery' in Spanish is 'los cubiertos'. It is a masculine plural noun.
How do you pronounce 'cubiertos' in Spanish?
The word 'cubiertos' is pronounced /ku.ˈbjeɾ.tos/. The stress falls on the second syllable, '-bier-'.
How do you use 'cubiertos' in a sentence?
'Cubiertos' is used as a noun. For example: 'Antes de comer, necesitas poner los cubiertos en la mesa.' (Before eating, you need to put the cutlery on the table.)
What is the English translation of 'cubiertos'?
The English translation of 'cubiertos' is 'cutlery' or 'silverware'.
Does 'cubiertos' change for gender or number?
'Cubiertos' is a masculine plural noun. It is almost always used in the plural form when referring to a set of eating utensils. The singular form, 'un cubierto', refers to a single place setting (knife, fork, spoon).
Is 'cubiertos' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'cubiertos' is a very common and essential word used daily in contexts related to meals, dining, and household items.
Does 'cubiertos' have slang or double meanings?
While its main meaning is 'cutlery', 'cubierto' is also the past participle of the verb 'cubrir' (to cover). For example: 'El coche está cubierto de nieve' (The car is covered in snow). In a restaurant context, 'el cubierto' can also refer to a cover charge or a set meal price.
Is 'cubiertos' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the word 'cubiertos' is standard and universally understood across all Spanish-speaking regions to mean cutlery.

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