Spanish · Food & Drink
"Fork" in Spanish: tenedor
el tenedor
A fork is el tenedor (teh-neh-DOR), a masculine noun: un tenedor limpio. Ask for un tenedor when your place setting is missing one.
How to pronounce tenedor: audio and sound guideMissing cutlery
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How to pronounce tenedor
Say it
teh-neh-DOR
/te.neˈðoɾ/
teh-neh-DOR, stress on DOR. Keep three clear beats in tenedor. The final r is a single tap.
"Fork" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el tenedor | fork Default table fork. | Default table fork. |
| el tenedor de mesa | table fork Standard place-setting fork. | Standard place-setting fork. |
| el tenedor pequeño | small fork Dessert or fruit fork. | Dessert or fruit fork. |
| pasar el tenedor | to pass the fork Table manners phrase. | Table manners phrase. |
How to use tenedor in real life
- 1Missing cutlery
¿Me trae un tenedor, por favor?
Could you bring me a fork, please?
Polite ask when the tenedor is missing.
- 2At the table
Pásame el tenedor de la izquierda.
Pass me the fork on the left.
Point with tenedor when several utensils sit out.
- 3Setting the table
Falta un tenedor en este plato.
A fork is missing at this plate.
Count tenedores before guests sit.
Mistakes English speakers make with tenedor
Incorrect: La tenedor está sucio.
Correct: El tenedor está sucio.
Tenedor is masculine: el tenedor, sucio.
Incorrect: Necesito un fork.
Correct: Necesito un tenedor.
Use tenedor, not English fork.
Good to know
Good to knowFormal tables set el tenedor on the left of the plate. Street food often skips the tenedor entirely—tacos are hand food. In restaurants, asking for otro tenedor is normal and not rude.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Noticing missing cutlery
ChatPal
No veo tu tenedor.
I don't see your fork.
You
Es verdad. Pediré un tenedor.
True. I'll ask for a fork.
ChatPal
Disculpe, ¿nos da otro tenedor?
Excuse me, can you give us another fork?
You
Gracias.
Thanks.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Fork" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Fork" in Spanish
Is tenedor masculine or feminine?
Masculine: el tenedor, un tenedor limpio.
How do I ask for a fork?
¿Me trae un tenedor, por favor?
Where does the fork go in a place setting?
Usually on the left of the plate: el tenedor a la izquierda.
How do you pronounce tenedor?
teh-neh-DOR with stress on DOR.
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