aguja
/ah-GOO-hah/
needle
The most common meaning of aguja is a 'needle' used for sewing or medical purposes.
📝 In Action
Perdí la aguja y ahora no puedo coser el pantalón.
A1I lost the needle and now I can't sew the pants.
La enfermera va a usar una aguja muy pequeña para la inyección.
A2The nurse is going to use a very small needle for the injection.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun Rule
Even though this word ends in '-a' and follows the general rule for feminine words, remember to use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Aguja' and 'Alfiler'
Mistake: "Using 'aguja' for a straight pin (the kind used to hold fabric)."
Correction: Use 'alfiler' for a straight pin that doesn't have an eye for thread. 'Aguja' is usually for sewing or medical use.
⭐ Usage Tips
Medical Context
In medical settings, 'aguja' often refers to the entire syringe assembly used for injections or drawing blood.
Aguja can also refer to the 'hand' or pointer used on a clock or watch.
📝 In Action
La aguja del reloj se movía muy despacio.
B1The clock hand was moving very slowly.
Si la aguja de la gasolina está en rojo, tienes que repostar.
B1If the gas indicator is in the red, you have to refuel.
💡 Grammar Points
Metaphorical Use
This meaning extends from the literal 'needle' because clock hands and gauges are long, thin, pointed instruments, just like a sewing needle.
⭐ Usage Tips
Time vs. Measurement
While you can use 'manecilla' for clock hands, 'aguja' is the common and required term for the indicator on a speedometer or fuel gauge.
In botanical contexts, aguja refers to a 'pine needle.'
📝 In Action
El suelo del bosque estaba cubierto de agujas de pino caídas.
B2The forest floor was covered with fallen pine needles.
Las agujas de ese árbol son muy largas y punzantes.
C1The needles of that tree are very long and sharp.
💡 Grammar Points
Specific Leaf Type
Use 'aguja' only for the sharp, thin, needle-like leaves of coniferous trees (like pines or firs). For broader, flat leaves, use the general word 'hoja'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: aguja
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'aguja' to describe something that tells time?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'aguja' ever mean 'pin'?
It can, but usually only in older contexts or specific regions. For the standard straight pin used to hold fabric, the better and more common word is 'alfiler'.
How do I say 'knitting needle'?
You would use the phrase 'aguja de tejer' (literally 'needle for knitting').