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"Manta" is a noun which is often translated as "blanket", and "cobija" is a noun which is also often translated as "blanket". Learn more about the difference between "manta" and "cobija" below.
la manta(
mahn
-
tah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (bedding)
a. blanket
Mi abuela dice que las mantas de lana abrigan más y son más versátiles que los edredones.My grandmother says that woolen blankets are warmer and more versatile than quilts.
c. rug (smaller) (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
En invierno hace frío en mi oficina, así que a menudo me pongo una manta sobre las rodillas.It's cold in my office in winter, so I often put a rug over my knees.
2. (animal)
a. manta ray
Oí que trajeron mantas gigantes al acuario. ¿Vamos a verlas?I hear they've gotten some giant manta rays for the aquarium. Shall we go and see them?
a. poncho
La manta es una prenda tradicional chilena hecha de lana.The poncho is a traditional Chilean garment that's made of wool.
4. (fabric) (Costa Rica) (Mexico) (Nicaragua)
Regionalism used in Costa Rica
Regionalism used in Mexico
Regionalism used in Nicaragua
a. coarse cloth
Los monos que nos ponemos para trabajar en la fábrica están confeccionados con manta.The overalls we wear for working at the factory are made of a coarse cloth.
la cobija(
koh
-
bee
-
hah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (bedding) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. blanket
Me abrigué con una cobija porque hacía frío.I wrapped myself up in a blanket because it was cold.
2. (clothing)
a. shawl
Ponte una cobija antes de salir; hace mucho viento.Put on a shawl before you go out; it's windy.
3. (roof of palm leaves) (Caribbean)
Regionalism used in the Caribbean: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico
a. roof
Hay que reparar la cobija antes de que venga la tormenta.We need to repair the roof before the storm comes.
las cobijas
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
4. (bedclothes) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. bedding
En la noche mi esposo siempre se roba todas las cobijas.My husband always hogs the bedding at night.
