cortes
“cortes” means “cuts” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
cuts, interruptionsAlso: sections, style
📝 In Action
Los cortes en su brazo eran superficiales.
A2The cuts on his arm were superficial.
Tuvimos varios cortes de electricidad durante la tormenta.
B1We had several power cuts during the storm.
Me gusta el corte de pelo que tienes.
A1I like the haircut (literally, 'cut of hair') you have.
Word Connections
courts, parliamentAlso: assemblies
📝 In Action
Las Cortes Generales aprobaron el presupuesto nacional.
B2The Parliament approved the national budget.
Durante la Edad Media, las cortes eran el centro del poder.
B1During the Middle Ages, the royal courts were the center of power.
Word Connections
you cutAlso: don't cut
📝 In Action
Quiero que cortes el cable con cuidado.
A2I want you to cut the cable carefully.
No cortes la tela con esas tijeras viejas.
A2Don't cut the fabric with those old scissors. (Negative tú command)
Quizás cortes un poco de queso para los invitados.
B1Maybe you could cut some cheese for the guests. (Expressing possibility)
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "cortes" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cortes
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'cortes' to refer to a government body?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
The word 'cortes' has two main origins that merged. The meaning relating to 'cutting' comes from the Latin *curtare* (to shorten). The meaning relating to 'courts' or 'assemblies' comes from the Latin *cohors* (enclosure or retinue), which evolved into the idea of a royal household or assembly.
First recorded: 12th century (in Old Spanish forms)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'cortes' means 'cuts' or 'courts'?
Look at the article! If you see 'los cortes' (masculine), it almost always means physical cuts, interruptions, or styles (like haircuts). If you see 'las cortes' (feminine), it refers to a judicial, royal, or legislative assembly (a court).
Is 'cortes' the same as the verb 'cortar'?
Not exactly. 'Cortar' is the base verb (to cut). 'Cortes' is a specific conjugated form of that verb, used when addressing 'tú' (you) in special moods like the present subjunctive or the negative command.