noun

la tela

fabric · cloth

Material hecho de hilos que se usa para hacer ropa, cortinas y otras cosas.

Definition & meaning

Tela is a feminine Spanish noun, usually meaning fabric, cloth, or material used for making clothes and other items. It can also refer to a piece or sheet of material, such as a curtain or canvas.

In some contexts, it means biological tissue or a thin membrane. Figuratively, it can mean a substantial amount or a complicated matter, especially in set expressions.

Grammar & word origin

Tela is a simple noun, not a word formed from smaller meaningful parts. Its plural is telas. It comes from Latin tela, meaning “woven fabric” or “web,” related to the Latin verb texere, “to weave.”

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no single exact synonym for tela; the best choice depends on the material and context:

tejido — “fabric” or “textile,” often emphasizing the material’s construction.
paño — “cloth” or “piece of cloth”; often refers to a relatively substantial piece.
lienzo — “canvas” or “linen cloth,” especially for painting or certain household uses.
género — “fabric” or “textile material,” often used when talking about cloth as a product.

There is no direct antonym for tela; its opposites vary by context.

Common phrases & collocations

tela de araña — “spiderweb.”
tela marinera — an informal expression meaning “quite a lot” or “quite something,” often suggesting that something is difficult, impressive, or costly.
hay tela que cortar — literally “there is cloth to cut”; figuratively, “there is a lot to discuss, deal with, or work through.”
poner en tela de juicio — “to call into question” or “to cast doubt on.”