alfiler

al-fee-LEHR/al.fiˈleɾ/

“alfiler” means “pin” in Spanish (a small sharp piece of metal used for sewing).

Also: straight pin, tie pin

Latin America

📝 In Action

Necesito un alfiler para sujetar la tela.

I need a pin to hold the fabric.

Ten cuidado, hay un alfiler en el suelo.

Be careful, there is a pin on the floor.

El sastre marcó el traje con varios alfileres.

The tailor marked the suit with several pins.

No caber ni un alfiler – To be extremely crowded or packed; not a single inch of space left.
Prendido con alfileres – Something that is very unstable, temporary, or likely to fail/fall apart.

Words that translate to "alfiler" in Spanish:

Question 1 of 3

What is the difference between an 'alfiler' and an 'aguja'?

👥 Word Family▼

alfiletero(pincushion) — Noun

alfilerear(to pin (usually used in sewing)) — Verb

🎵 Rhymes▼

📚 Etymology▼

From the Hispanic Arabic word 'al-jilál', which meant a large needle used for fastening clothes.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: alfinete

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Is 'alfiler' masculine or feminine?

It is masculine: 'el alfiler'. Even though it doesn't end in 'o', most words ending in 'r' follow this rule.

Can I use 'alfiler' for a safety pin?

Yes, but it is clearer to say 'alfiler de gancho' or 'imperdible'. If you just say 'alfiler', people might assume you mean a straight sewing pin.

How do you say 'pincushion' in Spanish?

The most common word is 'alfiletero'.