Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
What Does Alfombra Mean in English? Carpet / Rug
Alfombra · noun · ahl-FOHM-brah
The Spanish word 'alfombra' translates to 'carpet' or 'rug' in English. It refers to a textile floor covering, whether a small decorative rug or a large area carpet. In Mexico, a smaller rug is often called 'tapete,' while in Spain, wall-to-wall carpeting is specifically called 'moqueta.' The word alfombra comes from Arabic (al-ḥanbalīya), reflecting the Moorish influence on Spanish vocabulary.
Alfombra is pronounced ahl-FOHM-brah. The stress falls on the second syllable 'fom'. The 'br' combination is pronounced together as in English 'brown'.
La alfombra del salón necesita una limpieza profunda.
The living room carpet needs a deep cleaning.
Alfombra (Carpet) in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for alfombra (carpet), with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| alfombra | alfombra (carpet) | ahl-FOHM-brah | Default, widely understood |
| tapete | alfombra (carpet) | Mexico (smaller rug) | |
| moqueta | alfombra (carpet) | Spain (wall-to-wall carpeting) |
How Native Speakers Use Alfombra
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Home decor
Compramos una alfombra persa para el comedor.
We bought a Persian carpet for the dining room.
Using alfombra for a decorative floor covering.
Cleaning
Hay que aspirar la alfombra antes de que lleguen los invitados.
We need to vacuum the carpet before the guests arrive.
Referring to routine carpet maintenance.
Regional variation
Pon el tapete nuevo junto a la puerta de entrada.
Put the new rug next to the front door.
In Mexico, tapete is commonly used for smaller area rugs and doormats.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Alfombra
Confusing alfombra with carpeta
Incorrect: Puse los papeles en la alfombra. (intending folder)
Correct: Puse los papeles en la carpeta.
'Carpeta' means folder or binder in Spanish, not carpet. Despite looking like the English word 'carpet,' carpeta is a false cognate. The correct word for carpet/rug is 'alfombra'.
Using carpet as a Spanish word
Incorrect: El carpet del cuarto está sucio.
Correct: La alfombra del cuarto está sucia.
'Carpet' is not a Spanish word. Use 'alfombra' for carpet/rug, and remember it is feminine (la alfombra sucia).
Lock in Alfombra (Carpet) Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Alfombra used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using alfombra in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear La alfombra del salón necesita una limpieza profunda. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Alfombra (Carpet) in Spanish
- Is alfombra the same as tapete?
- In Mexico, 'tapete' typically refers to a smaller area rug, doormat, or decorative mat, while 'alfombra' is reserved for larger carpets—however in other Spanish-speaking countries, 'alfombra' covers all sizes and 'tapete' may not be commonly used.
- Why does alfombra sound Arabic?
- Alfombra derives from Arabic because Spain was under Moorish rule for nearly 800 years, and many Spanish words beginning with 'al-' (like almohada, almacén, alfombra) trace their origins to Arabic vocabulary that was absorbed into the Spanish language.
- What's the difference between alfombra and moqueta?
- In Spain, 'moqueta' specifically refers to wall-to-wall fitted carpeting (like the kind installed in offices or hotels), while 'alfombra' refers to individual carpet pieces or rugs that can be moved—this distinction is mainly used in Spain and not in Latin America.