repisa or estante?

Question

Puedes dejar esos libros en la segunda repisa del estante.

English Translation: You can put those books on the second shelf.

Repisa and estante both mean shelf. Why are they both used together in that sentence?

Answer 1

Welcome to the forum!

In that context the word "estante" refers to the bookcase itself, and "repisa" refers to the specific shelf.

There are many regional variations in Spanish. In some countries "repisa" has more of a "windowsill" feeling. In some countries "librero" is used for bookcase.

The variations among Spanish-speaking countries is a wonderful challenge, in that there are so many things to learn!

I hope this has clarified for you.

Answer 2

Welcoem to the forum devon, in Spanish we distinguish between one individual shelf and a big one.

repisa:

estanteria con tres repisas