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📖3 definitions
📚 corte has 3 definitions
A close-up view of a human index finger with a small, clean red cut across the skin, illustrating a physical injury.

corte

KOR-teh

NounmB1
cut?general, like an injury or a slice,haircut?at the salon,style?of clothing,outage / interruption?power, water, service
Also:slice?a piece of something,cross-section?scientific or technical,cut of meat?at a butcher or restaurant

📝 In Action

Me hice un corte en el dedo con un papel.

A2

I got a paper cut on my finger.

Necesito un corte de pelo nuevo.

A2

I need a new haircut.

Hubo un corte de luz en todo el barrio.

B1

There was a power outage in the whole neighborhood.

Me gusta el corte de ese vestido, es muy elegante.

B2

I like the cut of that dress, it's very elegant.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • incisión (incision)
  • herida (wound)
  • tajo (gash, deep cut)

Common Collocations

  • corte de pelo – haircut
  • corte de luz/agua – power/water outage
  • corte de carne – cut of meat
  • hacerse un corte – to get a cut (on oneself)

⭐ Usage Tips

One Word, Many Kinds of 'Cuts'

Think of 'el corte' as any kind of separation or interruption. It can be physical (a cut on your skin, a haircut), a style (the cut of a jacket), or an interruption of service (a power cut).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: corte

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'corte' to talk about a haircut?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

cortar(to cut) - verb
cortado(cut / a type of coffee with milk) - adjective/noun
recorte(a cutout, clipping, or cutback) - noun
cortador(cutter (person or tool)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'corte' sometimes masculine ('el corte') and sometimes feminine ('la corte')?

It depends entirely on the meaning! Use 'el corte' (masculine) when you mean a physical cut, a haircut, a style, or an interruption like a power outage. Use 'la corte' (feminine) when you are talking about a legal court (like the Supreme Court) or a royal court.

Is 'corte' a verb?

Not on its own. It's a specific form of the verb 'cortar' (to cut). You use it for formal commands (like telling a boss or stranger 'Corte aquí') and in special sentence structures that express desire, doubt, or opinion (like 'Espero que él corte el césped'). The base verb is always 'cortar'.