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A1 noun #3,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

platos

At the A1 level, the word 'platos' is one of the first nouns you learn in the context of 'La Casa' (The House) and 'La Comida' (Food). You should focus on its primary meaning as the physical object used for eating. You will learn to use it with basic verbs like 'lavar' (to wash) and 'poner' (to put/set). At this stage, it is crucial to remember that 'platos' is masculine and plural. You will likely use it in simple sentences like 'Yo lavo los platos' or 'Los platos son blancos'. You should also be able to distinguish between 'un plato' (one plate) and 'muchos platos' (many plates). The focus is on survival vocabulary—being able to ask for a plate in a restaurant or identify it in a kitchen. You might also encounter the concept of 'primer plato' and 'segundo plato' in basic dialogues about ordering food, but the emphasis remains on the physical object. Understanding that 'platos' is the plural of 'plato' and follows standard Spanish pluralization rules is a key milestone for A1 learners. You should practice the pronunciation, ensuring the 'p' is crisp and the 'o' is short and clear, typical of Spanish vowels. By the end of A1, 'platos' should be a familiar, high-frequency word in your vocabulary bank.
At the A2 level, your understanding of 'platos' expands to include more descriptive adjectives and common household routines. You are expected to describe the plates: 'platos grandes', 'platos pequeños', 'platos rotos' (broken plates). You will also start using the word in the context of 'tareas del hogar' (household chores) more fluently, perhaps using the past tense: 'Ayer lavé los platos'. In a restaurant setting, an A2 learner can understand the structure of a 'menú del día' which consists of 'dos platos'. You should be comfortable using 'platos' with demonstrative adjectives like 'estos platos' (these plates) or 'esos platos' (those plates). You might also begin to see the word in common phrases related to recipes, such as 'este es uno de los platos más populares de España'. The distinction between 'plato hondo' (soup plate) and 'plato llano' (dinner plate) becomes important at this level as you learn to describe objects in more detail. You are also introduced to the collective noun 'vajilla' (dinnerware set) and how 'platos' fit into that category. Your ability to use 'platos' in the plural with correct adjective agreement (e.g., 'los platos limpios') is a key indicator of reaching the A2 level of proficiency.
By the B1 level, you should be using 'platos' in a variety of contexts, including more abstract or culinary-specific situations. You will encounter 'platos' in discussions about culture and traditions, such as 'platos típicos' (traditional dishes). At this stage, you are expected to handle more complex sentence structures, such as 'Me gustaría probar algunos platos que no sean picantes' (I would like to try some dishes that are not spicy). You will also learn idiomatic expressions like 'pagar los platos rotos' (to take the blame), which adds a layer of figurative meaning to your vocabulary. In terms of grammar, you might use 'platos' in passive constructions or with the 'se' impersonal: 'Se lavan los platos después de comer'. You should also be familiar with the word 'emplatar' (to plate food) and how it relates to the presentation of 'platos' in a professional or formal setting. B1 learners should be able to compare 'platos' from different regions or countries, using comparative and superlative forms: 'Este es el más sabroso de todos los platos que he probado'. Your vocabulary around 'platos' now includes materials like 'cerámica', 'barro', or 'porcelana', allowing for more detailed descriptions of the objects themselves.
At the B2 level, 'platos' is used with high frequency and precision. You can discuss the nuances of 'platos combinados' versus a full course meal and the social implications of dining habits. You should be able to use the word in formal writing, such as a restaurant review or an essay on gastronomy. For example: 'La sofisticación de los platos presentados refleja la maestría del chef'. You will also encounter 'platos' in more technical or specialized texts, perhaps regarding the history of ceramics or the evolution of culinary service. Your understanding of idioms like 'pagar los platos rotos' is now deep enough to use them in appropriate social contexts. You can also discuss the 'presentación de los platos' (plating/presentation) using sophisticated vocabulary. At B2, you should be comfortable with the word in various registers, from the colloquial '¡Qué platazo!' (What a great dish!) to the formal 'servicio de platos'. You are also expected to understand the use of 'platos' in metaphorical senses in literature or journalism, where it might represent a portion of a larger whole or a specific contribution to a situation. Your ability to use 'platos' fluently in the subjunctive mood is also a hallmark of this level: 'Espero que los platos que elijas sean de tu agrado'.
At the C1 level, your command of 'platos' is near-native. You understand the subtle differences in meaning between 'platos', 'platillos', and 'fuentes' across different Spanish-speaking regions. You can engage in complex discussions about the 'estética de los platos' (aesthetics of dishes) or the 'sociología de los platos compartidos' (sociology of shared dishes). In professional contexts, such as culinary arts or hospitality management, you use 'platos' with technical accuracy. You are familiar with rare or regional idioms involving the word. Your writing is nuanced; you might use 'platos' to evoke specific imagery in a narrative: 'Los platos de peltre resonaban en la mesa de madera tosca'. You can analyze the use of 'platos' in historical texts, understanding how the term has evolved. At this level, you also recognize the word in the context of 'platos de la balanza' (scales of justice/balance), showing a mastery of its less common meanings. You can switch between registers effortlessly, using 'platos' in a scientific discussion about food safety or in a poetic description of a feast. Your ability to use the word as part of complex, multi-clause sentences with perfect grammatical agreement and sophisticated vocabulary is expected.
At the C2 level, you possess a comprehensive and intuitive mastery of 'platos'. You can appreciate and use the word in its most obscure, historical, or highly specialized contexts. You are aware of the etymological roots of 'plato' and how it has influenced other Romance languages. You can discuss the 'semántica de los platos' in academic linguistics or the 'simbolismo de los platos' in art history. Your use of the word in creative writing is indistinguishable from a native speaker, utilizing it to create atmosphere, rhythm, and tone. You understand the most subtle regionalisms—for instance, how 'platos' might be used differently in a rural village in the Andes compared to a metropolis like Buenos Aires or Barcelona. You can use the word in complex wordplay, puns, or sophisticated humor. In a professional or academic setting, you can lecture on 'la evolución de los platos en la cocina de vanguardia'. For a C2 learner, 'platos' is not just a word, but a versatile tool that can be deployed with absolute precision to convey exact shades of meaning, whether literal, figurative, or symbolic. You have reached a level where the word is part of your instinctive linguistic repertoire, used with complete ease and cultural sensitivity.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

platos en 30 secondes

  • Platos primarily refers to the physical plates used for dining, usually made of ceramic or glass, and is a masculine plural noun in Spanish.
  • The word also signifies individual courses of a meal, such as the 'primer plato' (starter) or 'segundo plato' (main course) in a menu.
  • Commonly used in household contexts like 'lavar los platos' (wash the dishes) and restaurant settings to describe specific recipes or 'platos típicos'.
  • It features in important idioms like 'pagar los platos rotos', meaning to take the blame for something, showing its deep cultural integration.

The Spanish word platos is the plural form of plato, a fundamental noun that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its most basic level, it refers to the physical objects we use to serve and eat food: plates. However, in the rich tapestry of the Spanish language, its meaning extends far beyond ceramic or glass discs. It encompasses the very essence of a meal, representing individual courses, specific culinary creations, and even the abstract concept of a 'dish' in a gastronomic sense. When you walk into a Spanish kitchen or a bustling tapas bar in Madrid, platos is a word that resonates with the sounds of clinking cutlery and the aroma of Mediterranean spices. It is a masculine noun, and its pluralization follows the standard rule of adding an '-s' to the singular form ending in a vowel.

Physical Object
The literal container, usually circular, made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass. Examples include platos hondos (soup plates) and platos llanos (dinner plates).
Culinary Course
Refers to a specific part of a meal, such as el primer plato (the first course) or el segundo plato (the main course).
Gastronomic Specialty
A specific recipe or preparation, like platos típicos (traditional dishes) or platos combinados (mixed platters).

"Por favor, pon los platos en la mesa para la cena." (Please, put the plates on the table for dinner.)

— Common household instruction

Understanding platos requires recognizing its versatility. In Spain, the 'menú del día' typically consists of two platos, a dessert, and a drink. Here, the word doesn't just mean the physical plate, but the entire portion of food served. This dual nature—object and content—is a hallmark of Romance languages but is particularly prominent in Spanish culinary culture. Whether you are discussing the washing of platos sucios (dirty dishes) or the preparation of platos exquisitos (exquisite dishes), the word remains the central pillar of the conversation.

"Me encantan los platos de barro para servir las tapas." (I love clay plates for serving tapas.)

Material
Cerámica, porcelana, vidrio, plástico, barro.
Function
Servir, comer, decorar, presentar.

To truly master the use of platos, one must look at how it interacts with adjectives. A plato hondo is deep, used for liquid-based foods. A plato llano is flat, for meats and vegetables. A plato de postre is smaller, reserved for sweets. In a restaurant setting, you might hear the waiter ask, "¿Han terminado con sus platos?" (Have you finished with your plates/dishes?). This simple word is the bridge between the kitchen's labor and the diner's enjoyment.

Using platos correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a masculine plural noun and its varied semantic applications. In daily life, you will use it most frequently in the context of household chores or dining. The verb most commonly associated with the physical object is lavar (to wash). Phrases like "lavar los platos" or "fregar los platos" (the latter more common in Spain) are essential for any learner. Note that in Latin America, you might also hear "lavar los trastes," but "platos" remains universally understood and widely used.

"Después de la fiesta, había muchísimos platos sucios en el fregadero." (After the party, there were many dirty dishes in the sink.)

In a culinary context, platos is used to categorize the sequence of a meal. Spanish dining culture often follows a structured order: primer plato, segundo plato, and postre. When discussing these, you are referring to the courses themselves. For example, "Los platos principales fueron excelentes" (The main dishes were excellent). Here, the focus is on the food prepared and served, not the vessel it comes on. This distinction is crucial for intermediate learners who want to sound more natural.

Setting the Table
Use 'poner los platos' (to set the plates). Example: "Ayúdame a poner los platos en la mesa."
Describing Variety
Use 'variedad de platos' (variety of dishes). Example: "El buffet ofrece una gran variedad de platos internacionales."
Technical Terms
'Plato hondo' (soup bowl/plate), 'Plato llano' (dinner plate), 'Plato de pan' (bread plate).

Furthermore, platos appears in professional culinary language. A chef might talk about "emplatar," which is the verb for arranging food on a plate (plating). The quality of the platos (the dishes) is what earns a restaurant its reputation. In reviews, you'll see phrases like "platos bien presentados" (well-presented dishes) or "platos abundantes" (generous portions). The word is also used in the context of 'platos combinados', a staple of Spanish bars where a single large plate contains a full meal (e.g., steak, eggs, fries, and salad).

"En este restaurante, todos los platos se preparan con ingredientes orgánicos." (In this restaurant, all dishes are prepared with organic ingredients.)

Finally, consider the figurative use. To "pagar los platos rotos" is a common idiom meaning to take the blame for something you didn't necessarily do alone, or to suffer the consequences of a situation. This shows how deeply the concept of platos is embedded in the Spanish psyche, moving from the kitchen to the realm of social dynamics and accountability.

The word platos is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking environments, appearing in a wide array of social and professional settings. The most obvious location is the home. From a young age, children hear their parents say, "Es tu turno de lavar los platos" (It's your turn to wash the dishes). In the domestic sphere, the word is associated with the rhythm of daily life—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s heard during the clatter of setting the table and the quiet of cleaning up afterward. It’s a word of responsibility and routine.

"¿Dónde guardas los platos de porcelana?" (Where do you keep the porcelain plates?)

Moving to the restaurant and hospitality industry, platos becomes a technical and service-oriented term. Waiters use it to manage the flow of the meal. You will hear them say, "Voy a retirar los platos" (I'm going to take the plates away) or "¿Les traigo los platos principales ahora?" (Shall I bring the main dishes now?). In the kitchen, the 'jefe de cocina' (head chef) shouts orders regarding specific platos to be prepared. On menus, the word is categorized into 'primeros platos', 'segundos platos', and sometimes 'platos para compartir' (dishes to share).

In the Market
When buying kitchenware: "Busco un juego de platos que sea resistente al microondas." (I'm looking for a set of plates that is microwave-safe.)
On Television
Cooking shows like 'MasterChef España' use the word constantly to refer to the contestants' creations: "Es uno de los platos más creativos de la noche."
In Literature
Descriptions of banquets or humble meals: "Los platos de madera estaban gastados por el uso." (The wooden plates were worn from use.)

In social gatherings and celebrations, platos is linked to hospitality. A host might say, "He preparado varios platos vegetarianos para que todos puedan comer" (I've prepared several vegetarian dishes so everyone can eat). During holidays like Christmas or Easter, the discussion often revolves around the 'platos tradicionales' that define the season. The word carries a sense of abundance and sharing, central to Hispanic culture where food is the primary medium for social bonding.

"En la boda sirvieron unos platos de marisco increíbles." (At the wedding, they served some incredible seafood dishes.)

Finally, you'll encounter the word in advertising and commerce. Department stores like El Corte Inglés or home goods shops like IKEA advertise "ofertas en juegos de platos" (offers on dinnerware sets). Whether it's a high-end design magazine discussing the aesthetics of minimalist platos or a local flyer for a 'comida popular' (community meal), the word is an essential part of the linguistic landscape, connecting the material world with the sensory experience of eating.

Even though platos seems straightforward, English speakers and other language learners often stumble over its nuances. The most frequent error is the over-extension of the word. In English, 'dish' can mean the container, the food, or even a person (informally). In Spanish, platos is more restricted. You wouldn't use it to describe a 'dish' in the sense of a 'gossip' or a 'satellite dish' (which is antena parabólica). Understanding these boundaries is key to fluency.

Confusing 'Plato' with 'Fuente'
A common mistake is calling a large serving platter a 'plato'. While it is technically a plate, Spanish uses fuente or bandeja for large dishes used to bring food to the table for everyone to share.
The 'Plato' vs. 'Comida' Trap
Learners often say "Me gusta este plato" when they mean they like the food in general. While correct if referring to a specific recipe, if you mean 'I like this meal/food', comida is often more appropriate.
Gender Agreement
Since it ends in 'o', it's masculine. Beginners sometimes mistakenly say "las platos" because they associate kitchen items with feminine nouns like 'la cocina' or 'la mesa'. Always remember: los platos.

❌ Incorrect: "He lavado las platos."
✅ Correct: "He lavado los platos."

Another subtle mistake involves the use of platos in the context of 'washing up'. In English, we say "doing the dishes." In Spanish, you must use a verb like lavar or fregar. Saying "hacer los platos" is a literal translation that sounds very unnatural to a native speaker. Similarly, when referring to the course of a meal, remember to use the ordinal numbers: primer plato, segundo plato. Saying "uno plato" or "dos plato" is a common A1-level error.

"No digas 'plato de satélite', di 'antena'. No digas 'plato de sopa' si te refieres al contenido, di 'un plato de sopa' (a plate of soup) o simplemente 'la sopa'."

Finally, be careful with the pluralization of compound terms. While 'plato combinado' becomes platos combinados, some learners forget to pluralize the adjective. Agreement is vital in Spanish. If the platos are many, everything describing them must also be plural. "Los platos son blanco" is wrong; it must be "Los platos son blancos." Paying attention to these small details will elevate your Spanish from basic to proficient.

To expand your vocabulary around platos, it's helpful to look at related terms that describe different types of containers or culinary concepts. Spanish has a rich vocabulary for kitchenware, and knowing the distinctions can help you be more precise. For instance, while platos is the general term, a cuenco or bol refers specifically to a bowl. Using 'plato' for a deep cereal bowl might be understood, but 'bol' is much more accurate.

Vajilla
This is the collective noun for a set of dishes. If you buy a 24-piece set, you are buying a vajilla. It includes the platos, cups, and saucers.
Fuente / Bandeja
As mentioned before, these are for serving. A fuente is often deeper (like for a salad), while a bandeja is flatter (like a tray).
Platillo
This can mean a small plate (like a saucer for coffee) or, in some Latin American countries, it's a common way to refer to a specific culinary dish or recipe.

"La vajilla de mi abuela tiene platos con bordes de oro." (My grandmother's dinnerware set has plates with gold rims.)

Another word often confused with platos is pocillo, which refers to a small cup or bowl, often used for coffee in some regions. Then there is vajilla de usar y tirar, which refers to disposable plates (paper or plastic). Understanding these variations allows you to navigate a Spanish kitchen or a store with confidence. If you are looking for something to put fruit in, you might ask for a frutero, which is a specific type of large plate or bowl for fruit.

"No pongas la sopa en un plato llano, usa un cuenco o un plato hondo." (Don't put the soup on a flat plate; use a bowl or a deep plate.)

Lastly, consider the word manjar. While not a synonym for the physical plate, it is a synonym for a 'plato' in the sense of a delicious food or delicacy. If someone prepares an amazing meal, you might call it a "manjar de dioses" (a delicacy of the gods). This elevates the conversation from the mundane object to the sublime experience of eating. By mastering platos and its relatives, you gain a fuller, more nuanced command of the Spanish language as it relates to one of life's greatest pleasures: dining.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Informel

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Argot

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Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

Yo lavo los platos en la cocina.

I wash the plates in the kitchen.

Present tense of 'lavar' with plural masculine noun.

2

Los platos son blancos y grandes.

The plates are white and big.

Adjective agreement with plural masculine noun.

3

¿Dónde están los platos?

Where are the plates?

Interrogative sentence with 'estar' for location.

4

Necesito cuatro platos para la cena.

I need four plates for dinner.

Use of number with plural noun.

5

Ella pone los platos en la mesa.

She puts the plates on the table.

Verb 'poner' (to put/set).

6

Los platos están sucios.

The plates are dirty.

Use of 'estar' for temporary state.

7

Hay muchos platos en el armario.

There are many plates in the cupboard.

Use of 'hay' (there is/are).

8

Compro platos nuevos hoy.

I am buying new plates today.

Present tense of 'comprar'.

1

Ayer compré unos platos de colores muy bonitos.

Yesterday I bought some very beautiful colored plates.

Preterite tense with descriptive adjectives.

2

Mi madre siempre prefiere los platos hondos para la sopa.

My mother always prefers deep plates for soup.

Specific term 'platos hondos'.

3

No podemos usar estos platos porque están rotos.

We cannot use these plates because they are broken.

Demonstrative adjective 'estos' and participle 'rotos'.

4

En el restaurante, pedimos dos platos principales.

In the restaurant, we ordered two main dishes.

Culinary use of 'platos' as courses.

5

¿Puedes ayudarme a secar los platos?

Can you help me dry the dishes?

Infinitive 'secar' after 'ayudar a'.

6

Estos platos de plástico son para el picnic.

These plastic plates are for the picnic.

Material description 'de plástico'.

7

El camarero trajo los platos muy rápido.

The waiter brought the dishes very quickly.

Preterite of 'traer'.

8

Guarda los platos limpios en el estante de arriba.

Keep the clean plates on the top shelf.

Imperative 'guarda' and adjective 'limpios'.

1

Espero que los platos que hemos elegido te gusten.

I hope you like the dishes we have chosen.

Subjunctive 'gusten' after 'espero que'.

2

Siempre me toca pagar los platos rotos en esta oficina.

I always have to take the blame in this office.

Idiomatic expression 'pagar los platos rotos'.

3

La cocina española tiene muchos platos basados en el arroz.

Spanish cuisine has many dishes based on rice.

Participle 'basados' agreeing with 'platos'.

4

Si lavas los platos ahora, podremos salir antes.

If you wash the dishes now, we can leave earlier.

Conditional sentence structure.

5

Los platos de esta región son conocidos por su sabor intenso.

The dishes of this region are known for their intense flavor.

Passive construction 'son conocidos'.

6

Prefiero los platos de cerámica artesanal a los industriales.

I prefer handmade ceramic plates to industrial ones.

Comparison between types of plates.

7

Había una gran variedad de platos en el banquete de la boda.

There was a great variety of dishes at the wedding banquet.

Imperfect tense 'había' for description.

8

No me gusta que los platos estén tan calientes al servirlos.

I don't like the plates being so hot when they are served.

Subjunctive 'estén' after 'no me gusta que'.

1

La presentación de los platos es tan importante como el sabor.

The presentation of the dishes is as important as the flavor.

Abstract noun 'presentación' with 'platos'.

2

A pesar de ser platos sencillos, la calidad de los ingredientes es excepcional.

Despite being simple dishes, the quality of the ingredients is exceptional.

Concession clause 'A pesar de'.

3

El chef se esmera en que todos los platos salgan perfectos de la cocina.

The chef takes great care to ensure all dishes leave the kitchen perfectly.

Pronominal verb 'esmerarse' and subjunctive.

4

Se han diseñado platos especiales para personas con alergias alimentarias.

Special dishes have been designed for people with food allergies.

Passive 'se' with present perfect.

5

Los platos de barro mantienen mejor el calor de los guisos.

Clay plates keep the heat of stews better.

Comparative 'mejor' and specific material 'barro'.

6

No dejes que los platos se acumulen en el fregadero durante días.

Don't let the dishes pile up in the sink for days.

Negative imperative with subjunctive 'se acumulen'.

7

La crítica elogió los platos innovadores del nuevo restaurante.

The critic praised the innovative dishes of the new restaurant.

Past tense 'elogió' with descriptive adjective.

8

Es fundamental que los platos se laven a altas temperaturas por higiene.

It is essential that dishes are washed at high temperatures for hygiene.

Impersonal expression with subjunctive.

1

La sofisticación de sus platos trasciende la mera gastronomía para convertirse en arte.

The sophistication of their dishes transcends mere gastronomy to become art.

High-level vocabulary: 'trasciende', 'mera'.

2

Hubo que reponer varios platos de la vajilla tras el incidente en el comedor.

Several plates from the set had to be replaced after the incident in the dining room.

Impersonal 'Hubo que' and specific verb 'reponer'.

3

Los platos de la balanza comercial se han inclinado a favor de las exportaciones.

The scales of the trade balance have tipped in favor of exports.

Metaphorical use of 'platos' (scales).

4

Resulta fascinante cómo los platos tradicionales evolucionan con las nuevas tendencias.

It is fascinating how traditional dishes evolve with new trends.

Impersonal 'Resulta' with 'cómo' clause.

5

El coleccionista buscaba platos de porcelana de la dinastía Ming.

The collector was looking for Ming dynasty porcelain plates.

Historical and specific context.

6

A menudo, los platos más humildes son los que guardan la esencia de un pueblo.

Often, the humblest dishes are those that hold the essence of a people.

Relative clause 'los que' and abstract noun 'esencia'.

7

No es de recibo que se sirvan los platos fríos en un establecimiento de esta categoría.

It is unacceptable for dishes to be served cold in an establishment of this category.

Idiomatic 'No es de recibo' and passive 'se sirvan'.

8

La minuciosidad con la que se decoran los platos es digna de admiración.

The meticulousness with which the dishes are decorated is worthy of admiration.

Complex noun phrase 'La minuciosidad con la que'.

1

La amalgama de sabores en sus platos denota una comprensión profunda de la química culinaria.

The amalgam of flavors in their dishes denotes a deep understanding of culinary chemistry.

Advanced vocabulary: 'amalgama', 'denota'.

2

Aquel banquete, con sus platos rebosantes de manjares exóticos, quedó grabado en la memoria de los comensales.

That banquet, with its plates overflowing with exotic delicacies, remained etched in the diners' memory.

Literary style and complex sentence structure.

3

La fragilidad de los platos de cristal soplado exigía un manejo extremadamente cauteloso.

The fragility of the blown glass plates demanded extremely cautious handling.

Specific technical terms and formal register.

4

Se debate si los platos de la justicia pueden alguna vez alcanzar un equilibrio absoluto.

It is debated whether the scales of justice can ever reach an absolute balance.

Philosophical/Abstract use of 'platos'.

5

La austeridad de los platos servidos contrastaba vivamente con la opulencia del entorno.

The austerity of the dishes served contrasted sharply with the opulence of the surroundings.

Contrastive structure and high-level adjectives.

6

Cualquier chef que se precie debe dominar la técnica de emplatado para realzar sus platos.

Any chef worth their salt must master the plating technique to enhance their dishes.

Idiomatic 'que se precie' and 'realzar'.

7

Los platos de cerámica vidriada del siglo XVIII son piezas clave en la exposición actual.

The 18th-century glazed ceramic plates are key pieces in the current exhibition.

Historical/Artistic terminology.

8

No podemos permitir que los platos rotos de una gestión deficiente los paguen los ciudadanos.

We cannot allow the consequences of poor management to be paid for by the citizens.

Advanced metaphorical use of the idiom 'pagar los platos rotos'.

Collocations courantes

Lavar los platos
Poner los platos
Platos sucios
Platos limpios
Platos hondos
Platos llanos
Platos típicos
Platos combinados
Platos principales
Juego de platos

Phrases Courantes

Primer plato

Segundo plato

Plato del día

Plato de postre

Plato de ducha (shower tray - different context)

Pasar por el plato

Un plato de sopa

Platos para compartir

Retirar los platos

Servir los platos

Souvent confondu avec

platos vs Plata (Silver)

platos vs Plátano (Banana)

platos vs Plató (Film set)

Expressions idiomatiques

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Facile à confondre

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Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

In some contexts, 'platos' can refer to the cymbals in a drum kit (platillos).

regional

In Mexico, 'trastes' is more common for dirty dishes.

Erreurs courantes
  • Saying 'las platos' (wrong gender).
  • Using 'hacer los platos' instead of 'lavar los platos'.
  • Confusing 'platos' with 'comida' in all contexts.
  • Forgetting to pluralize adjectives (e.g., 'platos blanco').
  • Using 'plato' for a large serving tray (use 'fuente').

Astuces

Learn the types

Memorize 'hondo' (deep) and 'llano' (flat) immediately as they are used daily.

Agreement

Always check that your adjectives are masculine and plural when using 'platos'.

Dining

Understand that 'primer plato' is usually lighter than the 'segundo plato'.

Broken Plates

Use 'pagar los platos rotos' to sound very natural in a conversation about blame.

The 'O'

Keep the 'o' in 'platos' short; don't let it turn into a 'u' sound.

Sets

Look for 'juego de platos' or 'vajilla' when shopping for kitchenware.

Verbs

Use 'fregar' in Spain and 'lavar' in Latin America for washing dishes.

Service

Waiters will say 'retirar' when they want to take your plates away.

Association

Picture a 'plateau' (flat land) to remember 'plato' means a flat object.

Plurality

Focus on the 'los' before 'platos' to confirm it's plural if the 's' is soft.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'PLATE' of 'TACOS' -> PLA-TOS.

Origine du mot

From Vulgar Latin 'plattus', meaning flat or level.

Contexte culturel

Focus on 'menú del día' and 'tapas'.

Often use 'platillo' for a recipe.

Commonly use 'lavar los platos' as a standard chore.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"¿Cuál es tu plato favorito?"

"¿Quién lava los platos en tu casa?"

"¿Prefieres platos de carne o de pescado?"

"¿Qué platos típicos hay en tu país?"

"¿Necesitamos más platos para la fiesta?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe los platos que comiste hoy.

Escribe sobre un recuerdo lavando los platos con alguien.

¿Cómo serían los platos de tu restaurante ideal?

Explica una vez que tuviste que 'pagar los platos rotos'.

Describe la vajilla de tu abuela.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Es masculino. Se dice 'los platos'.

Se dice 'lavar los platos' o 'fregar los platos'.

Es un plato con profundidad, usado para sopas o guisos.

Significa recibir el castigo o la culpa por algo que no hiciste solo.

Sí, para referirse a recetas específicas o partes de un menú.

'Platillo' suele ser un plato pequeño o una receta en algunos países.

Se dice 'poner la mesa', lo que incluye 'poner los platos'.

Es un plato único que contiene varios alimentos diferentes.

Sí, en el contexto de la música, se refiere a los platillos de la batería.

Simplemente añadiendo una 's' al final: platos.

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