camisa
/ka-MEE-sa/
shirt
When referring to clothing, camisa means a shirt.
camisa(noun)
shirt
?clothing for the upper body, typically buttoned
blouse
?often used interchangeably, though 'blusa' is more specific for women's tops
📝 In Action
Necesito planchar mi camisa blanca para la reunión.
A1I need to iron my white shirt for the meeting.
Lleva una camisa de cuadros muy bonita.
A2She is wearing a very pretty checkered shirt.
Me gusta el color de tu camisa de seda.
B1I like the color of your silk shirt.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun Rule
Even though 'camisa' ends in '-a', remember that it is always a feminine word, meaning you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Camisa' and 'Camiseta'
Mistake: "Using 'camisa' when you mean 't-shirt' or 'undershirt'."
Correction: 'Camisa' is usually a buttoned shirt with a collar. For a T-shirt, use 'camiseta'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Dress Shirt vs. Casual Shirt
While 'camisa' works for both, if you need to specify a formal dress shirt, you might say 'camisa de vestir'.
In a technical context, camisa can refer to a protective casing or sleeve.
camisa(noun)
casing
?protective outer layer, especially in engineering
,cylinder liner
?in mechanics, the sleeve inside an engine block
jacket
?protective covering
,sleeve
?a tubular part used as a lining
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que reemplazar la camisa del cilindro debido al desgaste.
B2We had to replace the cylinder liner due to wear.
La camisa de la tubería protege contra la corrosión.
C1The casing of the pipe protects against corrosion.
💡 Grammar Points
Technical Usage
This meaning is figurative, extending the idea of a 'shirt' as a covering or protective layer. It is mostly found in professional fields like mechanics or construction.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: camisa
Question 1 of 2
Which article (the word for 'the') must precede 'camisa'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'camisa' and 'camiseta'?
'Camisa' usually refers to a button-up shirt with a collar. 'Camiseta' is the word for a T-shirt, undershirt, or any simple knit top without buttons or a formal collar.
Is 'camisa' used for both men and women?
Yes, absolutely. It refers to the garment itself. If it's a woman's shirt, it might sometimes be called a 'blusa,' but 'camisa' is perfectly correct for either gender.