Almohada vs. cojín

In Spanish, 'almohada' and 'cojín' are both used to describe items that provide support and comfort, but they refer to different objects. Understanding the distinction between these terms can help in using them appropriately in various contexts.

Almohada

'Almohada' refers to a pillow, usually the type used for sleeping. These pillows are typically found on beds and provide head and neck support during sleep.
Necesito una almohada más cómoda para dormir bien.
(I need a more comfortable pillow to sleep well.)
La almohada se siente muy suave y esponjosa.
(The pillow feels very soft and fluffy.)
Compramos unas almohadas nuevas para el dormitorio.
(We bought some new pillows for the bedroom.)

Cojín

'Cojín' refers to a cushion or decorative pillow that is often used on furniture like sofas or chairs for added comfort or decoration. Cushions are generally smaller than bed pillows and come in various shapes and sizes.
El sofá está lleno de cojines coloridos.
(The sofa is full of colorful cushions.)
Puse un cojín en la silla para hacerla más cómoda.
(I put a cushion on the chair to make it more comfortable.)
Los cojines del salón combinan con las cortinas.
(The living room cushions match the curtains.)

Summary

In summary, while both 'almohada' and 'cojín' provide comfort, 'almohada' specifically refers to a pillow used for sleeping on beds, whereas 'cojín' refers to cushions or decorative pillows generally used on furniture like sofas and chairs. Knowing the difference will allow you to accurately describe these items in Spanish.