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cintas

seen-tahsˈsintas

ribbons

Also: bands
NounfA1
A collection of brightly colored, flowing fabric ribbons tied in simple bows, suitable for decoration.

📝 In Action

Compramos unas cintas rojas para decorar los regalos de Navidad.

A1

We bought some red ribbons to decorate the Christmas gifts.

La gimnasta usa una cinta larga en su rutina.

A2

The gymnast uses a long ribbon in her routine.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • cintas de colores – colored ribbons
  • cintas para el pelo – hair ribbons/bands

tapes

Also: cassette tapes, measuring tapes
NounfA2
A coiled yellow measuring tape with a metal end, partially extended on a flat surface.

📝 In Action

Necesito dos cintas métricas para medir la habitación.

A2

I need two measuring tapes to measure the room.

Encontré unas cintas de música viejas en el garaje.

B1

I found some old music cassette tapes in the garage.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • cintas adhesivas – adhesive tapes (scotch tape)
  • cintas de video – video tapes (VCR)

belts, treadmills

Also: tracks
NounfB1
A simple, folded black martial arts belt, symbolizing a high rank.

📝 In Action

Las cintas transportadoras llevan el equipaje al avión.

B1

The conveyor belts carry the luggage to the plane.

Prefiero correr en las cintas del gimnasio cuando llueve.

B2

I prefer running on the treadmills at the gym when it rains.

Obtuvieron sus cintas negras después de muchos años de entrenamiento.

B1

They obtained their black belts after many years of training.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • máquinas (machines)
  • correas (straps)

Common Collocations

  • cintas de correr – treadmills
  • cintas transportadoras – conveyor belts

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: cintas

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'cintas' is used in the sentence: 'Las cintas del aeropuerto se detuvieron por un momento.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
cinta(ribbon, tape, belt (singular)) — Noun
cintar(to tape, to belt (verb)) — Verb
cinturón(waist belt, seatbelt) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin word *cincta*, which meant 'girdle' or 'belt,' referring to something wrapped around the body. This core meaning of a long, narrow strip has been extended to cover everything from decorative ribbons to machinery belts.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: cintaItalian: cinta

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'cintas' a common word?

Yes, 'cintas' is very common, especially when talking about ribbons, adhesive tape, or measuring tape. It is an essential A1/A2 level noun.

How do I know if 'cintas' means 'ribbons' or 'treadmills'?

Context is everything! If you are at a gym, it means 'treadmills' (cintas de correr). If you are wrapping a gift or talking about hair accessories, it means 'ribbons'.