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"Los platos" is a form of "plato", a noun which is often translated as "plate". "La mesa" is a form of "mesa", a noun which is often translated as "table". Learn more about the difference between "los platos" and "la mesa" below.
el plato(
plah
-
toh
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. plate
Compraron platos de papel para la fiesta.They bought paper plates for the party.
b. dish
Vamos a usar los platos especiales para la cena navideña.We're going to use our special dishes for Christmas dinner.
a. dish
Mi suegra preparará su plato especial para la fiesta.My mother-in-law will prepare her special dish for the party.
b. course
El plato fuerte va a ser salmón.The main course is going to be salmon.
a. plateful
Tenía tanta hambre después del maratón que comió diez platos.He was so hungry after the marathon that he ate ten platefuls.
b. helping
Cuando papá prepara la cena, todo el mundo come otro plato.When Dad makes dinner, everyone has another helping.
a. clay pigeon
Tiro al plato es una de las competencias principales del tiro deportivo.Clay pigeon shooting is one of the main sport shooting competitions.
a. turntable
Como mi hermano es deejay, le regalé un plato nuevo para su cumpleaños.My brother's a DJ, so I got him a new turntable for his birthday.
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la mesa(
meh
-
sah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. table
Su nueva mesa de entrada está hecha de madera recuperada.Her new entry table is made of reclaimed wood.
b. desk
Me gusta tener mi mesa en el trabajo muy organizada.I like to keep my desk at work very tidy.
a. committee
Lo han nombrado presidente de la mesa.He has been appointed chairman of the committee.
b. board
La mesa directiva se junta los viernes.The governing board meets on Fridays.
a. plateau
Desde la mesa se podía ver todo el horizonte.We could see the whole horizon from the plateau.
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