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"Repisa" is a noun which is often translated as "shelf", and "estante" is a noun which is also often translated as "shelf". Learn more about the difference between "repisa" and "estante" below.
la repisa(
rreh
-
pee
-
sah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. shelf
La gata se asoleaba en una repisa llena de libros.The cat was sunning itself on a shelf full of books.
b. ledge
Hay una botella llena de flores en la repisa.There's a bottle full of flowers on the ledge.
a. mantelpiece
¿Puedes poner estas fotos sobre la repisa?Can you put these two pictures on the mantelpiece?
a. corbel
La repisa estaba decorada con florituras.The corbel was decorated with curlicues.
b. bracket
Vamos a comprar repisas de metal y tablas para armar un librero.We're going to buy metal brackets and boards to make a bookcase.
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el estante(
ehs
-
tahn
-
teh
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. shelf
Después de colgar los estantes en la pared, podemos adornarlos con velas.After we hang the shelves on the wall, we can decorate them with candles.
Los únicos muebles que había en la sala eran un sofá y un estante con un par de fotos.The only furniture in the living room was a couch and a shelf with a couple of pictures on it.
b. rack
Mis discos están organizados en el estante por artista.My CDs are organized on the rack by artist.
a. bookcase
Su biblioteca se compone de varios estantes en su oficina.His library consists of several bookcases in his office.
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