mostrador
Lemma Details
Translation: counter; display case; checkout counter; bar (in a café); display; showcase
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'mostrar' (to show, to display), which comes from Latin 'monstrare' (to show, to point out). The suffix '-dor' indicates a place or object that performs the action of the verb, so 'mostrador' literally means 'that which shows or displays'. This follows the same pattern as English words like 'indicator' or 'demonstrator', where the suffix denotes something that performs the action.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El dependiente me atendió desde el otro lado del mostrador.
The clerk assisted me from the other side of the counter.
Los pasteles están en el mostrador de la pastelería.
The cakes are in the bakery's display case.
Pide tu bebida en el mostrador del bar.
Order your drink at the bar counter.
Hay que hacer cola en el mostrador de facturación.
You have to queue at the check-in counter.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mostrador' as 'what's being shown' or displayed to customers.
- Connect it to 'demonstrate' in English - a mostrador demonstrates or shows products.
- Remember 'most' + 'rador' - where most products are displayed for customers to see.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'el mostrador' is a central feature in many businesses, from cafés and bars to shops and reception areas. In Spain particularly, standing at 'el mostrador' of a café to have a quick coffee is a common cultural practice.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'mostrador' refers to a physical counter or display case, 'demostrador' refers to a person who demonstrates products or a device used for demonstration purposes.
Confused word:
El demostrador explicó cómo funciona el nuevo electrodoméstico.
The demonstrator explained how the new appliance works.
Notes: The prefix 'de-' in 'demostrador' intensifies the action of showing or demonstrating.
Mnemonic: 'Mostrador' is for showing things (passive), while 'demostrador' actively demonstrates things.
Explanation: 'Mostrador' is the physical counter or display, while 'muestra' is a sample or specimen of something.
Confused word:
Me dieron una muestra gratis del nuevo perfume.
They gave me a free sample of the new perfume.
Notes: Both words come from the same root 'mostrar' (to show), but refer to different concepts.
Mnemonic: 'Mostrador' is where they show (mostrar) things, 'muestra' is what they show you.