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"Chapa" is a form of "chapa", a noun which is often translated as "sheet". "Patente" is a form of "patente", an adjective which is often translated as "clear". Learn more about the difference between "chapa" and "patente" below.
la chapa(
chah
-
pah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (material)
a. sheet
Las mesas del laboratorio están recubiertas de chapas de acero inoxidable.The workbenches in the lab are covered with sheets of stainless steel.
b. plate (piece of metal)
Taparon el bache temporalmente con una chapa de hierro.They covered the pothole temporarily with an iron sheet.
c. panel (flat piece of wood)
Vamos a construir un biombo con chapas de madera.We're going to build a screen with wood panels.
d. veneer (thin layer of wood or plastic)
Los muebles están hechos de pino, pero gracias a la chapa parecen de caoba.The furniture is made of pine, but thanks to the veneer it looks like mahogany.
2. (automobile)
a. bodywork
Después del choque, Juan tuvo que llevar el coche al taller para hacerle chapa y pintura.After the crash, Juan had to take the car to the shop for bodywork and respraying.
3. (insignia)
a. badge
El policía presentó su chapa y pidió permiso para registrar la casa.The police officer presented his badge and asked for permission to search the house.
4. (decoration)
a. badge
Raúl ha ganado una docena de chapas con la tropa de los scouts.Raul has earned a dozen badges with his scout troop.
5. (bottle lid)
6. (door fastener) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. lock
El ladrón forzó la chapa y robó la televisión.The burglar forced the lock and stole the television.
a. license plate (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
¿Anotaste la chapa del coche que tumbó la lámpara?Did you write down the license plate of the car that knocked the streetlight down?
b. number plate (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Pagó una buena cantidad por una chapa personalizada para el coche nuevo.He paid a hefty sum for a personalized number plate for his new car.
8. (slang) (prostitution)
A very informal word or phrase used by a particular group or community as a substitute for standard language (e.g., joint, john).
a. trick (slang)
A very informal word or phrase used by a particular group or community as a substitute for standard language (e.g., joint, john).
La pobre estaba pasando una mala racha y se vio obligada a hacer chapas para vivir.The poor thing was down on her luck and was forced to turn tricks for a living.
las chapas
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
9. (game)
a. game with bottle tops
Los niños están jugando a las chapas en el patio de recreo.The children are playing a game with bottle tops on the playground.
patente, la patente(
pah
-
tehn
-
teh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (evident)
a. clear
Es patente la falta de coordinación que hay entre los organizadores.It's clear that there is a lack of coordination among the organizers.
c. patent
Es lamentable que un error tan patente se haya pasado por alto.It is regrettable that this very patent mistake has been overlooked.
d. plain
A raíz del reciente robo, se hizo patente la necesidad de aumentar la seguridad.Due to the recent robbery, the need for more security became plain.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
2. (commerce)
a. patent
La fórmula de este medicamento está protegida por una patente.The formula for this medication is protected by a patent.
a. license plate (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Se le cayó la patente al carro cuando me estrellé.The license plate fell off the car when I crashed.
b. licence plate (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
El policía me cobró una multa porque a mi carro le faltaba una patente.The police officer gave me a ticket because my car was missing a licence plate.
c. license number (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
No alcancé a anotar la patente del auto que nos golpeó.I couldn't write down the license number of the car that hit us.
d. licence number (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Era un automóvil azul oscuro, patente número BD 58 XLM.It was a dark blue car, license number BD 58 XLM.
4. (driver's permit) (South America)
Regionalism used in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
a. driver's license (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
¿Me puedes llevar al centro comercial? Mi patente ha caducado.Can you drive me to the mall? My driver's license has expired.
b. driving licence (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Pasé el examen de conducir y me dieron la patente.I passed my driving test and got my driving licence.
a. license (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El restaurante por fin obtuvo la patente para licores.The restaurant finally received its liquor license.
b. licence (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Obtuvo su patente de colorista y ya puede trabajar en un salón de belleza.She got her colorist licence and now she can work at a beauty salon.
