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mantle and Spanish mantel
In English
mantle
a covering layer / cloak
In Spanish
mantel
de la mesa
Spanish "mantel" means: tablecloth
Why they get mixed up Spanish "mantel" is the cloth that covers a table, which English calls a "tablecloth." English "mantle" is a cloak or covering layer, and also the geological mantle of the earth. Figuratively, taking on someone's "mantle" means taking their place and responsibilities.
If you want to say...
- mantlemanto
- tableclothmantel
- mantelpiecerepisa
Examples
A mantle of snow covered the hills.
Un manto de nieve cubría las colinas.
She took on the mantle of leadership.
Asumió el rol de liderazgo.
The Earth's mantle lies between the crust and the core.
El manto de la Tierra está entre la corteza y el núcleo.
He took on the mantle of president after his father died.
Asumió el papel de presidente tras la muerte de su padre.
Common mistakes in Spanish
Incorrect: Puse el manto en la mesa para cenar.
Correct: Puse el mantel en la mesa para cenar.
Manto is a cloak or mantle. For a table cover, use mantel.
Incorrect: El mantel de la Tierra está entre la corteza y el núcleo.
Correct: El manto de la Tierra está entre la corteza y el núcleo.
Earth's mantle is manto terrestre.
Phrases you will hear
- the Earth's mantleel manto terrestre
- a mantle of snowun manto de nieve
- take up the mantleasumir el papel
- the mantle of leadershipel manto del liderazgo
- a tableclothun mantel
- a mantelpiecela repisa de la chimenea
In a conversation
- A:
A mantle of snow covered the hills.
Un manto de nieve cubría las colinas.
- B:
Beautiful. Did you put the tablecloth on the table?
Precioso. ¿Pusiste el mantel en la mesa?
- A:
Yes. And the photos are on the mantelpiece.
Sí. Y las fotos están en la repisa.
- B:
Perfect.
Perfecto.
Test yourself
"A mantle of snow" is...
To remember it
Mantle = a covering layer/cloak. A tablecloth (Spanish "mantel") = tablecloth.
Frequently asked questions
What does Spanish "mantel" mean?
Spanish "mantel" means "tablecloth". It looks like the English "mantle", which is exactly why it gets confused, but "mantle" means "a covering layer / cloak".
Does English "mantle" mean the same as Spanish "mantel"?
Spanish "mantel" is the cloth that covers a table, which English calls a "tablecloth." English "mantle" is a cloak or covering layer, and also the geological mantle of the earth. Figuratively, taking on someone's "mantle" means taking their place and responsibilities.