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A2 noun #8,500 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

regadera

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces regadera en 30 secondes
Explication regadera in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'regadera' as a basic noun for a common household object: the watering can. Focus on its gender (feminine: la regadera) and its primary purpose in the garden. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Yo tengo una regadera' (I have a watering can) or 'La regadera es azul' (The watering can is blue). It is a helpful word for describing hobbies or basic chores around the house. At this stage, don't worry too much about the shower head meaning unless you are specifically studying Mexican Spanish. Just visualize the tool used to give water to flowers and plants. Practice the pronunciation by breaking it into syllables: re-ga-de-ra. The 'r' at the beginning is slightly trilled, and the 'g' is soft like in 'goat'. This word helps you practice noun-adjective agreement, such as 'una regadera pequeña' (a small watering can). It's a foundational word for anyone interested in nature or gardening.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'regadera' in more complex sentences involving daily routines and needs. You should understand that in countries like Mexico, 'regadera' refers to the shower. This is an important distinction for travelers. You will use it with verbs like 'necesitar' (to need) or 'comprar' (to buy). For example, 'Necesito una regadera nueva para mis plantas' or 'La regadera del baño no funciona'. You should also be able to describe the material it is made of, like 'plástico' or 'metal'. This level also introduces the plural form 'regaderas' and the use of possessive adjectives like 'mi regadera' or 'tu regadera'. You are moving from just naming the object to explaining what you do with it: 'Uso la regadera para regar las flores'. This reinforces the connection between the noun 'regadera' and the verb 'regar'.
By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'regadera' in various contexts and regional variations. You should be aware of the idiomatic expression 'estar como una regadera' to describe someone who is acting crazy or eccentric. This adds a layer of cultural fluency to your Spanish. You might also use the word in the context of giving instructions or describing a sequence of events: 'Primero, llena la regadera con agua; luego, riega las plantas que están en la sombra'. You should also be able to discuss the quality of the object, using words like 'duradera' (durable) or 'incómoda' (uncomfortable). In a professional or more advanced domestic setting, you might talk about 'la presión de la regadera' (shower pressure). This level requires a more nuanced understanding of how the word fits into broader conversations about home maintenance and social descriptions.
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At the B2 level, you can use 'regadera' with greater precision and stylistic variety. You might encounter it in literature or more technical manuals for gardening or plumbing. You should be able to explain the regional differences between 'ducha' and 'regadera' to other learners. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'boquilla' (nozzle) or 'caudal' (flow rate) when discussing a 'regadera'. You can use the word in hypothetical situations using the subjunctive: 'Si tuviera una regadera más grande, terminaría más rápido de regar el jardín'. You are also expected to understand the metaphorical use of the word in poetry or creative writing, where a 'regadera' might symbolize the act of nurturing a relationship or an idea. Your use of the idiom 'estar como una regadera' should feel natural and be used in the appropriate social register.
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At the C1 level, your understanding of 'regadera' includes its etymological roots and its place within the wider family of water-related terminology in Spanish. You can engage in detailed discussions about the evolution of household fixtures or the history of gardening tools in Hispanic culture. You might analyze how the word 'regadera' is used in specific dialects or local slangs beyond just Mexico. In writing, you can use the word as part of a sophisticated narrative, perhaps using it as a symbol or a recurring motif. You understand the subtle connotations the word carries in different countries—from a nostalgic tool of a grandparent's garden to a modern, high-tech bathroom fixture. Your mastery of the idiom 'estar como una regadera' is complete, and you might even know other related sayings or regional variations of the same concept.
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At the C2 level, 'regadera' is a word you use with total native-like fluency, incorporating all its literal, regional, and idiomatic meanings effortlessly. You can participate in high-level debates about linguistic variation across the Spanish-speaking world, using 'regadera' as a prime example of lexical divergence. You might notice and appreciate the use of the word in classical Spanish literature or modern academic texts on irrigation and hydraulic engineering. You can play with the word in puns or creative wordplay, fully aware of its multiple interpretations. Whether you are writing a technical report on water conservation that mentions 'regaderas de bajo consumo' or a humorous essay about a 'vecino que está como una regadera', your command of the word is absolute. You understand the deep cultural links between the verb 'regar' and the social fabric of Spanish-speaking communities.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

regadera en 30 secondes

  • A 'regadera' is a watering can used for gardening and manual irrigation of plants.
  • In Mexico and parts of Latin America, it specifically refers to a shower head.
  • The word is feminine ('la regadera') and comes from the verb 'regar' (to water).
  • The idiom 'estar como una regadera' means someone is acting crazy or eccentric.

The Spanish word regadera is a multifaceted noun that primarily refers to a watering can, though its secondary meaning as a shower head is equally vital depending on where you are in the Spanish-speaking world. At its core, the word is derived from the verb regar, which means to water or to irrigate. This linguistic root provides a clear mental image: a device designed to distribute water in a controlled, rain-like fashion. Whether you are a gardener tending to delicate petunias or a homeowner in Mexico heading to the bathroom for a morning rinse, the word regadera will be central to your vocabulary.

The Gardening Context
In Spain and most of Latin America, a regadera is the handheld container with a handle and a long spout ending in a perforated nozzle. It is the quintessential tool for manual irrigation in small-scale horticulture.

La abuela siempre usa su regadera de metal para cuidar las rosas del jardín cada tarde.

Understanding the regional nuances is crucial for any student of the Spanish language. While a Spaniard would typically use the word ducha to refer to a shower, a Mexican or Central American speaker will frequently use regadera to describe the shower head itself or the act of showering. This distinction is one of the classic examples of how Spanish evolves differently across the Atlantic. In a hardware store in Mexico City, asking for a regadera might lead you to the plumbing aisle rather than the gardening section.

The Plumbing Context
In many Latin American countries, specifically Mexico, regadera refers to the shower fixture. It describes the perforated plate through which water flows in a bathroom.

Tengo que limpiar la regadera del baño porque tiene mucho sarro y el agua no sale bien.

Beyond the physical objects, regadera appears in colorful idiomatic expressions. The most famous is estar como una regadera, which translates literally to 'to be like a watering can' but idiomatically means 'to be crazy' or 'to be mad as a hatter.' The logic behind this is likely related to the many holes in the head of the watering can, suggesting a head that 'leaks' or doesn't hold thoughts correctly. It is a colloquial and somewhat humorous way to describe someone's eccentric behavior.

Idiomatic Usage
The phrase 'estar como una regadera' is widely recognized across the Spanish-speaking world to describe someone who is acting irrationally or in a silly manner.

No le hagas caso a mi tío, hoy está como una regadera diciendo que vio un alienígena.

In summary, the word regadera is an essential tool for both the domestic and linguistic landscape. Whether you are discussing the maintenance of a garden, the renovation of a bathroom in Mexico, or the eccentricities of a friend, this word provides a specific and culturally rich way to express yourself. Its evolution from the Latin rigare shows a long history of water management in Hispanic culture, transitioning from agricultural irrigation to modern household convenience.

¿Dónde dejaste la regadera? Las plantas del balcón se están secando por el calor.

Using the word regadera correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender and the verbs that typically accompany it. As a feminine noun ending in '-a', it is almost always preceded by the articles la, una, las, or unas. Mastery of this word requires practicing it in various tenses and contexts, from the simple imperative of garden chores to the descriptive prose of a home improvement project.

Common Verb Pairings
Verbs like llenar (to fill), vaciar (to empty), comprar (to buy), and usar (to use) are frequently paired with regadera.

Por favor, llena la regadera con agua tibia para las orquídeas.

When discussing the 'shower' meaning in Mexico, you will often hear the phrase abrir la regadera (to turn on the shower) or cerrar la regadera (to turn off the shower). This is a physical description of the action of turning the faucet handle to let water flow through the shower head. In this context, regadera is the specific point of exit for the water, distinct from the tina (bathtub) or the grifo (faucet).

The 'Shower' Context in Mexico
In Mexican Spanish, the phrase 'meterse a la regadera' is the equivalent of 'getting into the shower'.

Me voy a meter a la regadera un momento antes de que salgamos a cenar.

In more technical or descriptive contexts, you might find adjectives modifying regadera. For instance, a regadera de cuello largo (long-neck watering can) is specific for reaching the base of dense plants without wetting the leaves. In a bathroom context, a regadera de presión (high-pressure shower head) is a common luxury item discussed in real estate or plumbing.

Descriptive Adjectives
Use adjectives like metálica (metallic), plástica (plastic), vieja (old), or moderna (modern) to specify the type of regadera.

Esa regadera plástica es muy ligera y fácil de cargar incluso cuando está llena.

To use regadera effectively, one must also be comfortable with prepositions. You water 'con la regadera' (with the watering can) or you find yourself 'bajo la regadera' (under the shower head). These spatial relationships help ground the word in real-world actions. Practice saying these phrases aloud to build muscle memory for the 'r' and 'g' sounds, which are distinct in Spanish.

El niño está jugando bajo la regadera del jardín para refrescarse del sol.

The word regadera is a staple of daily life, but the frequency and context change significantly depending on your geographic location. In Spain, you are most likely to hear it in a vivero (nursery) or a tienda de jardinería (garden shop). It is a word associated with hobbies, nature, and the careful maintenance of a balcony or patio. You will hear elderly neighbors discussing which regadera is best for their geraniums, or shopkeepers recommending a specific model with a fine mist nozzle.

In the Garden Shop
Expect to hear: '¿Tienen regaderas de acero inoxidable?' (Do you have stainless steel watering cans?)

En el pasillo cinco puede encontrar una regadera de cinco litros para sus macetas.

Contrast this with a trip to Mexico City. Here, the word regadera is heard every morning in a domestic setting. A mother might shout to her son, '¡Apúrate en la regadera!' (Hurry up in the shower!), or a plumber might explain that 'la regadera está tapada' (the shower head is clogged). It is a word of utility, hygiene, and household maintenance. In this context, it is less about the beauty of flowers and more about the daily routine of getting ready for work or school.

In the Mexican Household
Commonly heard: 'El agua de la regadera sale muy fría.' (The water from the shower is coming out very cold.)

Mañana vendrá el plomero a cambiar la regadera porque gotea todo el tiempo.

You will also encounter regadera in literary and artistic contexts. Spanish poetry often uses the image of the regadera to symbolize care, nurture, and the gentle provision of life-giving water. In children's stories, the watering can is a friendly character or a tool used by a protagonist to bring a magical garden to life. This gives the word a gentle, nurturing connotation that contrasts with its more industrial 'shower head' counterpart.

In Literature and Media
Used metaphorically to describe someone who 'waters' or nurtures their relationships or projects.

El cuento decía que la regadera mágica podía hacer florecer el desierto en una sola noche.

Finally, the idiomatic use 'estar como una regadera' is common in informal conversations and comedies. It’s the kind of phrase a character in a Spanish sitcom would use to describe their wacky neighbor. Hearing this idiom used correctly is a sign that you have moved beyond basic vocabulary and are starting to understand the colloquial flavor of the language.

¡Ese hombre está como una regadera! Se puso a cantar ópera a las tres de la mañana.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with regadera is assuming it has only one meaning. Because English uses 'watering can' and 'shower' as completely distinct terms, learners often forget that Spanish (especially in Latin America) collapses these into one word based on the shared action of water distribution. This can lead to confusion when a Mexican friend says they need a new regadera and you offer them a gardening tool.

Regional Confusion
Using regadera for a shower in Spain might result in a blank stare, as they almost exclusively use ducha.

Incorrect: Voy a tomar una regadera. (Literal translation of 'take a shower'). Correct: Voy a ducharme / Voy a tomar un baño.

Another common mistake involves the gender of the noun. While most words ending in '-a' are feminine, learners sometimes get confused by the '-era' suffix, which can occasionally appear in masculine contexts in other words. However, regadera is strictly feminine. Saying 'el regadera' is a hallmark of a beginner and disrupts the flow of the sentence. Consistency with 'la' and 'una' is essential for sounding natural.

Gender Agreement Errors
Always pair the noun with feminine adjectives: 'la regadera nueva', not 'el regadera nuevo'.

Compré una regadera roja para que combine con las flores de mi balcón.

There is also the risk of confusing regadera with related words like regadío (irrigation) or regador (sprinkler). While they share the same root, their usage is quite different. A regador is usually a mechanical device that rotates, while a regadera is almost always manual or a fixed fixture in a bathroom. Mixing these up can make instructions for gardening quite confusing for the listener.

Lexical Confusion
Don't confuse regadera with manguera (hose). A hose is for long-distance watering; a watering can is for precision.

Usa la regadera para las macetas pequeñas y la manguera para el césped grande.

Lastly, remember that regadera refers to the object. If you want to talk about the 'shower' as a room or the act of showering, other words might be more appropriate depending on the country. In most places, 'el baño' is the room, and 'la ducha' is the act. Using 'la regadera' to refer to the entire bathroom is a common overextension that should be avoided.

El baño tiene una regadera muy amplia, pero el lavabo es bastante pequeño.

While regadera is a specific tool, the Spanish language offers several alternatives depending on the scale of watering or the specific fixture you are referring to. Understanding these synonyms and related terms will help you choose the most precise word for your situation, whether you are in a garden, a hardware store, or a bathroom.

Regadera vs. Ducha
Regadera: The physical shower head (common in Mexico).
Ducha: The act of showering or the shower stall (common in Spain and Argentina).

En España, pides una ducha nueva, pero en México pides una regadera nueva.

In the garden, regadera is often contrasted with the manguera (hose). While a regadera is for delicate, manual work, a manguera is for higher volume and longer reach. If you are watering a large lawn, you might use an aspersor (sprinkler). These terms are all part of the 'water management' family but describe very different scales of technology.

Regadera vs. Aspersor
Regadera: Handheld, used for pots and small beds.
Aspersor: Mechanical, usually fixed or rotating, used for lawns.

Prefiero usar la regadera para no mojar los muebles de la terraza con el aspersor.

Another word often confused with regadera is flor (flower). In some regions, the perforated nozzle at the end of the watering can or the shower head is called the flor de la regadera or simply la alcachofa (the artichoke, due to its shape). This is a very specific piece of vocabulary that can be useful when you only need to replace the tip rather than the whole object.

Regional Terms for the Nozzle
Alcachofa: Common in Spain for the shower head.
Pichancha: Sometimes used in Mexico for certain types of strainers or nozzles.

Se rompió la alcachofa de la ducha y ahora el agua sale en un solo chorro.

Understanding these alternatives allows for more expressive and accurate Spanish. Whether you are describing a high-tech irrigation system or a simple plastic can for your balcony, knowing when to use regadera versus its synonyms will make your Spanish sound more sophisticated and locally appropriate. It reflects a deeper connection with the daily tools and cultural habits of Spanish speakers around the world.

La regadera de cerámica que compraste es preciosa, parece una pieza de arte.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The suffix '-dera' often denotes an instrument or a place where an action happens in Spanish.

Guide de prononciation

UK /re.ɣa.ˈðe.ra/
US /re.ga.ˈde.ra/
The stress is on the penultimate syllable: re-ga-DE-ra.
Rime avec
madera cadera escalera panadera bandera carretera manera espera
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'g' like an 'h' (it should be like 'goat').
  • Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd' (it should be softer).
  • Forgetting to tap the 'r' sounds.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable.
  • Confusing the 'e' sound with an 'ay' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context due to its frequent use in gardening and home settings.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the double 'e' and 'a' placement.

Expression orale 3/5

The soft 'g' and tapped 'r' can be tricky for English speakers to master.

Écoute 2/5

Usually clear, but regional accents might soften the 'd' significantly.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

agua jardín flor baño casa

Apprends ensuite

manguera grifo ducharse maceta tierra

Avancé

irrigación fontanería climatización botánica hidráulica

Grammaire à connaître

Feminine noun ending in -a

La regadera roja.

Agent noun suffix -dera

Regadera (from regar).

Use of 'estar' for state/idiom

Juan está como una regadera.

Pluralization adding -s

Dos regaderas.

Noun-adjective agreement

Una regadera metálica.

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Exemples par niveau

1

La regadera es verde.

The watering can is green.

Simple noun-adjective agreement with the feminine noun 'regadera'.

2

Yo tengo una regadera.

I have a watering can.

Use of the indefinite article 'una' with 'regadera'.

3

La regadera está en el jardín.

The watering can is in the garden.

Use of the verb 'estar' for location.

4

Es una regadera de plástico.

It is a plastic watering can.

Preposition 'de' used to indicate material.

5

¿Dónde está la regadera?

Where is the watering can?

Question structure with 'dónde'.

6

La regadera es para las flores.

The watering can is for the flowers.

Preposition 'para' to indicate purpose.

7

Mi regadera es pequeña.

My watering can is small.

Possessive adjective 'mi' with a feminine noun.

8

Hay agua en la regadera.

There is water in the watering can.

Use of 'hay' for existence.

1

Necesito comprar una regadera nueva.

I need to buy a new watering can.

Infinitive 'comprar' following the verb 'necesitar'.

2

La regadera del baño gotea mucho.

The bathroom shower head drips a lot.

Mexican context where 'regadera' means shower head.

3

Llena la regadera con agua fría.

Fill the watering can with cold water.

Imperative form 'llena' (tú).

4

Las regaderas de metal son más caras.

Metal watering cans are more expensive.

Plural agreement 'las regaderas' and 'caras'.

5

Mi abuelo usa la regadera todas las mañanas.

My grandfather uses the watering can every morning.

Present tense 'usa' with a frequency expression.

6

No encuentro la regadera por ninguna parte.

I can't find the watering can anywhere.

Negative structure 'no... por ninguna parte'.

7

La regadera es muy pesada cuando está llena.

The watering can is very heavy when it is full.

Adjective 'pesada' modifying 'regadera'.

8

Pon la regadera debajo de la mesa.

Put the watering can under the table.

Imperative 'pon' and preposition 'debajo de'.

1

Si usas la regadera, no mojes los muebles.

If you use the watering can, don't get the furniture wet.

Conditional 'si' followed by present indicative and imperative.

2

Ese chico está como una regadera, siempre habla solo.

That boy is crazy, he's always talking to himself.

Idiomatic expression 'estar como una regadera'.

3

La regadera de la ducha tiene sarro y sale poca agua.

The shower head has limescale and little water comes out.

Specific vocabulary 'sarro' (limescale).

4

Prefiero la regadera manual al sistema de riego automático.

I prefer the manual watering can to the automatic irrigation system.

Comparison structure 'preferir A a B'.

5

Ayer se me rompió la regadera de cerámica.

Yesterday my ceramic watering can broke.

Accidental 'se' construction 'se me rompió'.

6

Busco una regadera que tenga el cuello muy largo.

I'm looking for a watering can that has a very long neck.

Subjunctive 'tenga' in a relative clause with an unknown antecedent.

7

La regadera es un invento muy antiguo pero útil.

The watering can is a very old but useful invention.

Conjunction 'pero' connecting two adjectives.

8

Cuando termines, deja la regadera en su sitio.

When you finish, leave the watering can in its place.

Subjunctive 'termines' after 'cuando' for future actions.

1

Es fundamental limpiar la regadera para evitar que se obstruya.

It is essential to clean the shower head to prevent it from getting blocked.

Infinitive as a subject and 'evitar que' followed by subjunctive.

2

A pesar de ser vieja, esta regadera no pierde ni una gota.

Despite being old, this watering can doesn't leak a single drop.

'A pesar de' followed by infinitive.

3

La presión de la regadera en este hotel es increíble.

The shower pressure in this hotel is incredible.

Noun phrase 'la presión de la regadera'.

4

No creo que esa regadera sea lo suficientemente grande para todo el jardín.

I don't think that watering can is big enough for the whole garden.

Subjunctive 'sea' after 'no creo que'.

5

El diseño ergonómico de la regadera facilita el trabajo.

The ergonomic design of the watering can makes the work easier.

Technical adjective 'ergonómico'.

6

Me pregunto quién habrá dejado la regadera abierta en el baño.

I wonder who left the shower running in the bathroom.

Future of probability 'habrá dejado'.

7

Había tantas regaderas en la tienda que no sabía cuál elegir.

There were so many watering cans in the shop that I didn't know which one to choose.

Consecutive clause 'tan... que'.

8

Si no fuera por la regadera, mis plantas ya estarían muertas.

If it weren't for the watering can, my plants would be dead by now.

Second conditional with 'si no fuera por'.

1

La regadera, cual fuente de vida, vertía su contenido sobre la tierra seca.

The watering can, like a source of life, poured its contents over the dry earth.

Literary use of 'cual' as a comparison.

2

El fontanero sugirió sustituir la regadera por un modelo de bajo consumo.

The plumber suggested replacing the shower head with a low-consumption model.

Verb 'sustituir' with the preposition 'por'.

3

Su comportamiento errático me hace pensar que está como una regadera.

His erratic behavior makes me think he is completely mad.

Complex sentence with an embedded idiom.

4

La pátina de la regadera de cobre le otorgaba un aire de antigüedad noble.

The patina on the copper watering can gave it an air of noble antiquity.

Advanced vocabulary like 'pátina' and 'otorgar'.

5

Resulta imperativo descalcificar la regadera periódicamente en zonas de agua dura.

It is imperative to descale the shower head periodically in hard water areas.

Formal structure 'Resulta imperativo'.

6

Apenas asomó el sol, ya estaba ella con su regadera entre los macizos de flores.

As soon as the sun appeared, she was already there with her watering can among the flower beds.

Use of 'apenas' to indicate immediate succession.

7

La regadera no es sino un humilde instrumento de la voluntad del jardinero.

The watering can is but a humble instrument of the gardener's will.

Restrictive structure 'no es sino'.

8

Se debate si el término 'regadera' es más apropiado que 'ducha' en contextos técnicos.

It is debated whether the term 'regadera' is more appropriate than 'ducha' in technical contexts.

Passive reflex 'se debate'.

1

La polisemia de 'regadera' evidencia la riqueza y divergencia del léxico hispánico.

The polysemy of 'regadera' highlights the richness and divergence of the Hispanic lexicon.

Academic vocabulary: 'polisemia', 'evidencia'.

2

Bajo el incesante flujo de la regadera, el protagonista halló la epifanía que buscaba.

Under the incessant flow of the shower, the protagonist found the epiphany he was seeking.

High literary style with 'hallar' and 'epifanía'.

3

No por mucho madrugar se llena antes la regadera, como diría un refrán adaptado.

Waking up earlier doesn't fill the watering can any faster, as a modified proverb might say.

Playful adaptation of the proverb 'No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano'.

4

La obsolescencia programada ha llegado incluso a las regaderas de plástico más simples.

Planned obsolescence has reached even the simplest plastic watering cans.

Complex social concept 'obsolescencia programada'.

5

Aquel jardín, otrora esplendoroso, languidecía por la ausencia de una mano y una regadera.

That garden, once splendid, was languishing due to the absence of a hand and a watering can.

Archaic/Literary 'otrora' and 'languidecer'.

6

La regadera se erige como un símbolo de la domesticidad y el cuidado minucioso.

The watering can stands as a symbol of domesticity and meticulous care.

Reflexive verb 'erigirse como'.

7

Cualquier intento de arreglar la regadera resultó infructuoso, obligándonos a llamar al técnico.

Any attempt to fix the shower head proved fruitless, forcing us to call the technician.

Gerund 'obligándonos' expressing consequence.

8

La sutil ironía de llamarlo 'regadera' cuando apenas sale un hilo de agua no pasó desapercibida.

The subtle irony of calling it a 'shower' when barely a trickle of water comes out did not go unnoticed.

Double negative 'no pasó desapercibida'.

Collocations courantes

llena la regadera
regadera de metal
regadera de plástico
abrir la regadera
cerrar la regadera
regadera de presión
regadera eléctrica
regadera de lluvia
limpiar la regadera
usar la regadera

Phrases Courantes

Bajo la regadera

— Under the shower or under the watering can.

Me quedé dormido bajo la regadera.

Regadera manual

— A handheld watering can as opposed to a system.

Para estas macetas basta con una regadera manual.

Agua de regadera

— Water coming from a shower or can.

El agua de regadera está muy tibia.

Regadera de jardín

— Specifically a watering can for plants.

La regadera de jardín es de color rojo.

Regadera de baño

— Specifically a shower head.

La regadera de baño necesita reparación.

Una regadera pequeña

— A small watering can.

Usa una regadera pequeña para los cactus.

Regadera automática

— Sometimes used for a sprinkler system.

La regadera automática se rompió.

Regadera de zinc

— A traditional metal watering can.

Las regaderas de zinc son muy clásicas.

Regadera de mano

— A handheld shower head or watering can.

Esta regadera de mano es muy práctica para lavar al perro.

Regadera de cuello largo

— A can with a long spout for reaching deep into plants.

La regadera de cuello largo es ideal para helechos.

Souvent confondu avec

regadera vs fregadero

Fregadero is the kitchen sink, while regadera is a watering can or shower head.

regadera vs ducha

Ducha is the general term for shower, while regadera is often just the head (in Mexico).

regadera vs manguera

Manguera is a long hose, whereas regadera is a portable can.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Estar como una regadera"

— To be completely crazy or mad.

Ese profesor está como una regadera.

Informal
"Ser una regadera"

— Sometimes used to describe someone who forgets things (leaks information/memory).

Juan es una regadera, siempre pierde las llaves.

Colloquial
"Hablar por la regadera"

— A rare variation of 'hablar por los codos' (talking too much).

No para de hablar, parece una regadera.

Very Informal
"Cabeza de regadera"

— Someone who is scatterbrained.

Tengo cabeza de regadera hoy, se me olvida todo.

Informal
"Soltar la regadera"

— To start crying or talking non-stop.

En cuanto la vio, soltó la regadera y le contó todo.

Informal
"Regadera de ideas"

— A constant flow of ideas (brainstorming).

Su mente es una regadera de ideas constantes.

Metaphorical
"Pasar por la regadera"

— To take a quick shower.

Voy a pasar por la regadera y nos vamos.

Informal (Mexico)
"Regadera de bendiciones"

— A shower of blessings.

Que recibas una regadera de bendiciones.

Religious/Poetic
"Estar bajo la regadera"

— To be in a situation where things are 'pouring' on you.

Estoy bajo la regadera de críticas.

Metaphorical
"Regadera de luz"

— A shower of light.

La ventana dejaba entrar una regadera de luz.

Poetic

Facile à confondre

regadera vs regador

Similar root and meaning.

A regador is usually a person who waters or a mechanical sprinkler, whereas a regadera is the handheld can.

El regador del parque usa una regadera para las macetas.

regadera vs regadío

Same root.

Regadío refers to the system of irrigation or irrigated land, not the tool itself.

Esta zona es de regadío, no de secano.

regadera vs regadera (slang)

Idiomatic usage.

In some contexts, it can mean a 'mess' or a 'leak', but the 'crazy' idiom is most common.

Tienes la cabeza como una regadera.

regadera vs grifo

Both involve water.

Grifo is the faucet/tap where water comes out of the pipe; regadera is the can or shower head.

Abre el grifo para llenar la regadera.

regadera vs tina

Bathroom context.

Tina is the bathtub; regadera is the shower head.

Prefiero la regadera a la tina.

Structures de phrases

A1

La regadera es [color].

La regadera es verde.

A2

Necesito [verbo] la regadera.

Necesito llenar la regadera.

B1

Si tuviera una regadera, [condicional].

Si tuviera una regadera, regaría las flores.

B2

Espero que la regadera [subjuntivo].

Espero que la regadera no gotee.

C1

A pesar de la regadera, [frase].

A pesar de la regadera, el jardín sigue seco.

C2

La regadera no es sino [metáfora].

La regadera no es sino un símbolo de vida.

Idiom

[Nombre] está como una regadera.

Mi vecino está como una regadera.

Shopping

Quiero una regadera de [material].

Quiero una regadera de metal.

Famille de mots

Noms

riego
regadío
regador
regadón

Verbes

regar
regarse

Adjectifs

regado
regadora

Apparenté

agua
jardín
ducha
manguera
grifo
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in domestic and gardening contexts.

Erreurs courantes
  • El regadera → La regadera

    The word is feminine, so it requires the feminine article 'la'.

  • Voy a tomar una regadera → Voy a ducharme

    You don't 'take' a watering can; you 'take a shower' (ducharse) or 'use' the regadera.

  • Regadera de cocina → Fregadero

    Don't confuse the kitchen sink (fregadero) with a watering can (regadera).

  • Re-ha-dera → Re-ga-de-ra

    The 'g' should be soft, not aspirated like an 'h'.

  • Estar como regadera → Estar como UNA regadera

    The idiom requires the indefinite article 'una' to be grammatically correct.

Astuces

The 'Rain' Connection

Remember that a 'regadera' creates a mini 'rain' (lluvia) for your plants. 'Regar' sounds a bit like 'Rain-gar' if you use your imagination!

Regional Awareness

If you are in Mexico, don't be surprised if someone asks you to 'limpiar la regadera' in the bathroom. They aren't talking about gardening!

Feminine Ending

Since it ends in '-a', it's almost always feminine. 'La regadera' is your best friend for consistency.

Related Verb

Always associate 'regadera' with the verb 'regar'. It makes it easier to remember both words at once.

Crazy as a Can

Use 'estar como una regadera' to sound more like a native speaker when describing someone's eccentric behavior.

Soft G

Avoid the hard 'g' or the 'h' sound. Keep it smooth and vocalic: re-ga-de-ra.

Buying Tips

When buying one, look for 'capacidad' (capacity) in liters to know how much water it holds.

Shower Context

In Spain, use 'alcachofa' for the shower head and 'ducha' for the shower. In Mexico, 'regadera' covers both.

Maintenance

A 'regadera tapada' is a clogged shower head. Use 'descalcificador' to fix it.

Decorative Use

Small ceramic 'regaderas' are often used as decorative pots for succulents.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'REG-ular' way to water your 'GARDEN' (regadera). It's the 'REG-ular' tool for 'RE-GARDENING'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a watering can that has a 'shower head' (regadera) instead of a normal spout. This helps remember both meanings.

Word Web

agua plantas baño regar flores jardín ducha plástico

Défi

Try to use 'regadera' in three sentences today: one about a garden, one about a shower, and one using the 'crazy' idiom.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Spanish verb 'regar', which comes from the Latin 'rigare' (to water, to moisten).

Sens originel : A tool or person that waters/irrigates.

Romance (Latin origin).

Contexte culturel

The idiom 'estar como una regadera' is generally harmless but should be used with friends as it implies someone is 'crazy'.

English speakers often struggle with the dual meaning of 'regadera' because 'watering can' and 'shower' are so distinct in English.

The song 'La Reina de la Regadera' (The Queen of the Shower) in some Latin children's media. Various Spanish poems by Gloria Fuertes mention gardening tools. The film 'La Lengua de las Mariposas' features scenes of rural life where such tools are common.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Gardening

  • Regar las plantas
  • Llenar la regadera
  • Boquilla de la regadera
  • Regadera de cinco litros

Bathroom Maintenance

  • Cambiar la regadera
  • Limpiar el sarro
  • Presión de agua
  • Regadera que gotea

Describing People

  • Estar como una regadera
  • Cabeza de regadera
  • Hablar como una regadera
  • Loco como una regadera

Shopping

  • Cuánto cuesta la regadera
  • Regadera de acero
  • Regadera de oferta
  • Pasillo de jardinería

Home Chores

  • Te toca usar la regadera
  • Dónde guardaste la regadera
  • La regadera está vacía
  • Trae la regadera

Amorces de conversation

"¿Prefieres usar una regadera o una manguera para tu jardín?"

"¿Has escuchado alguna vez la expresión 'estar como una regadera'?"

"En tu país, ¿cómo llaman al objeto que se usa para regar las plantas?"

"¿Sabías que en México 'regadera' significa ducha?"

"¿Qué color de regadera comprarías para decorar tu balcón?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe cómo cuidas tus plantas usando una regadera y qué sentimientos te produce.

Escribe sobre una persona que conozcas que 'esté como una regadera' y por qué.

Imagina que tienes que comprar una regadera nueva para tu baño. ¿Cómo sería?

¿Por qué crees que el español usa la misma palabra para un objeto de jardín y uno de baño?

Relata un recuerdo de tu infancia que involucre una regadera en el jardín de tus abuelos.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No exactamente. En España, 'regadera' se refiere casi exclusivamente a la herramienta para regar plantas. En México, es la palabra estándar para referirse al cabezal de la ducha o al acto de ducharse. Es un ejemplo fascinante de variación regional.

En la mayoría de los países hispanohablantes se dice 'regadera'. Sin embargo, en algunos lugares pueden usar términos más específicos como 'regador manual', aunque 'regadera' es ampliamente comprendido por todos.

Se cree que proviene de la idea de que una regadera tiene muchos agujeros en su parte superior. Metafóricamente, una persona 'loca' tendría 'agujeros' en la cabeza por donde se le escapan las ideas o el juicio.

Es una palabra femenina. Siempre se debe decir 'la regadera' o 'una regadera'. Los adjetivos también deben ser femeninos, por ejemplo: 'la regadera pequeña'.

Normalmente no. Para un aspersor automático se usa la palabra 'aspersor' o 'regador automático'. 'Regadera' implica casi siempre algo manual o un cabezal fijo de ducha.

Para limpiar una regadera (shower head) con sarro, se recomienda sumergirla en una mezcla de agua y vinagre durante unas horas para disolver los minerales acumulados.

Las regaderas de jardín suelen ser de plástico (ligeras y baratas) o de metal como el zinc o el cobre (más duraderas y decorativas). Las de baño suelen ser de acero inoxidable o cromo.

No hay un sinónimo exacto que sea tan común, pero a veces se le llama simplemente 'el bote de regar' en contextos muy informales, aunque 'regadera' es el término correcto.

La 'g' es suave, similar a la 'g' en la palabra inglesa 'sugar'. No se pronuncia fuerte como la 'j' española ni como la 'g' en 'giant'.

No, 'regadera' es un sustantivo. El verbo correspondiente es 'regar' (yo riego, tú riegas, etc.). Por ejemplo: 'Voy a regar las plantas con la regadera'.

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Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Describe a watering can in Spanish using three adjectives.

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writing

Write a sentence using the idiom 'estar como una regadera'.

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writing

Translate: 'I need to fill the watering can.'

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writing

Explain the difference between 'regadera' and 'ducha' in Mexico.

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writing

Write a short dialogue about watering plants.

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writing

Translate: 'The shower head is broken.' (Mexican context)

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writing

Write a sentence with 'regadera' and 'jardín'.

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writing

How do you say 'plastic watering can'?

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writing

Write a sentence using the plural 'regaderas'.

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writing

Translate: 'The water in the shower is cold.'

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writing

Describe what you do with a regadera in the morning.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'metal watering can'.

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writing

Translate: 'She bought a new watering can yesterday.'

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writing

Use 'regadera' in a question.

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writing

Explain why 'regadera' is a feminine noun.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'bajo la regadera'.

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writing

Translate: 'The watering can is empty.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'blue watering can'.

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writing

How do you say 'clogged shower head'?

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writing

Write a sentence using 'regar' and 'regadera'.

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speaking

Pronounce correctly: 'La regadera'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I am watering the plants with the watering can.'

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speaking

Pronounce the idiom: 'Estar como una regadera'.

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speaking

Say: 'The shower head is new.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Regadera de plástico'.

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speaking

Say: 'Where did you put the watering can?'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Regar'.

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speaking

Say: 'I need to buy a metal watering can.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Regaderas'.

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speaking

Say: 'The water is coming out of the shower.'

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speaking

Say: 'My watering can is full of water.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Boquilla'.

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speaking

Say: 'The garden needs the watering can.'

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speaking

Say: 'Don't be crazy!' using the idiom.

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speaking

Say: 'The plastic can is very light.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Zinc'.

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speaking

Say: 'I use the shower every morning.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Ducha'.

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speaking

Say: 'The roses are beautiful thanks to the watering can.'

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speaking

Say: 'It is a green watering can.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'R-E-G-A-D-E-R-A'.

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listening

Listen: 'La regadera está en el balcón.' Where is it?

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listening

Listen: 'Compré una regadera de metal.' What material is it?

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listening

Listen: '¡Estás como una regadera!' What does it mean?

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listening

Listen: 'Llena la regadera, por favor.' What should I do?

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listening

Listen: 'La regadera gotea.' What is the problem?

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listening

Listen: 'Hay dos regaderas en el cobertizo.' How many are there?

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listening

Listen: 'La regadera es azul.' What color is it?

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listening

Listen: 'Abre la regadera del baño.' What should I open?

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listening

Listen: 'Usa la regadera pequeña.' Which one should I use?

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listening

Listen: 'La regadera de plástico se rompió.' What happened?

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listening

Listen: 'Pon la regadera debajo de la silla.' Where should I put it?

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listening

Listen: 'La regadera está vacía.' Is there water in it?

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listening

Listen: 'Mi madre riega con la regadera.' Who is watering?

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listening

Listen: 'Necesitamos una regadera nueva.' What do we need?

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/ 180 correct

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