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

📅 Published: March 11, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

paraguas

noun • /[pah-rah-GWAS]/

umbrella

Example:

Trae un paraguas porque va a llover.

Bring an umbrella because it will rain.

🧠 What does paraguas mean?

The Spanish word 'paraguas' refers to a portable device designed to protect a person from rain or sun. It consists of a fabric canopy stretched over a folding frame attached to a central pole, which can be opened and closed. The literal translation of the word helps understand its function: 'para' means 'for' and 'aguas' means 'waters' or 'rains'. Therefore, 'paraguas' essentially means 'for rains'. This object is commonly used during inclement weather to stay dry.

📚 Extra examples

  • No olvides tu paraguas, parece que va a llover.
    Don't forget your umbrella; it looks like it's going to rain.
  • El sol estaba muy fuerte, así que abrí mi paraguas para protegerme.
    The sun was very strong, so I opened my umbrella to protect myself.
  • Los paraguas de colores alegran los días grises.
    Colorful umbrellas brighten up gray days.
  • Tenía un paraguas grande y resistente para el viento.
    He had a large and sturdy umbrella for the wind.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'paraguas' is derived from the verb 'parar' (to stop) and the noun 'aguas' (waters/rains). So, literally, it's something that stops the rain.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "paraguas"

Synonyms: sombrilla

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'umbrella' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'umbrella' is 'paraguas'.
How do you pronounce 'paraguas' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'paraguas' is approximately pah-RAH-gwahs. The stress is on the second syllable, 'RAH'.
How do you use 'paraguas' in a sentence?
You can use 'paraguas' in sentences by referring to the object itself, for example, 'Necesito un paraguas' (I need an umbrella), or in relation to its use, such as 'Guarda el paraguas porque ya no llueve' (Put away the umbrella because it's no longer raining).
What is the English translation of 'paraguas'?
The English translation of 'paraguas' is 'umbrella'.
Does 'paraguas' change for gender or number?
The word 'paraguas' is invariable for gender and number. It is always 'paraguas', whether referring to one umbrella or multiple umbrellas, or a masculine or feminine umbrella. The article used will indicate the number: 'el paraguas' (the umbrella), 'los paraguas' (the umbrellas).
Is 'paraguas' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'paraguas' is a very common word used in everyday Spanish, especially in regions or during times of the year when rain is frequent.
Does 'paraguas' have slang or double meanings?
In standard Spanish, 'paraguas' does not typically have slang or double meanings. Its usage is straightforward, referring to the device used for protection from rain or sun.
Is 'paraguas' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word 'paraguas' is universally understood and used in both Spain and Latin America. While regional variations for other objects might exist, 'paraguas' is the standard term for umbrella across the Spanish-speaking world.

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