Inklingo

costumbres

kohs-TOOM-brehs/kosˈtumbɾes/

costumbres means customs in Spanish (cultural or social traditions).

customs, habits

Also: traditions, ways
NounfA2
A family in traditional colorful clothing dancing together in a town square during a festival.

📝 In Action

Me gusta aprender sobre las costumbres de otros países.

A2

I like learning about the customs of other countries.

Es difícil cambiar las viejas costumbres.

B1

It is difficult to change old habits.

Las costumbres locales son muy interesantes.

A2

The local traditions are very interesting.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tradiciones (traditions)
  • hábitos (habits)
  • usos (uses/customs)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • buenas costumbresgood manners/proper behavior
  • costumbres alimenticiaseating habits
  • según la costumbreaccording to custom

Idioms & Expressions

  • hombre de costumbresa creature of habit; someone who likes a strict routine

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "costumbres" in Spanish:

customshabitstraditionsways

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: costumbres

Question 1 of 2

Which of these is the correct way to say 'the customs'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
lumbrescumbrespesadumbres
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Latin word 'consuetudo', which describes something that people do together or frequently.

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: customFrench: coutume

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'costumbres' only for cultural things?

No, it is very common to use it for personal habits as well, like your morning routine.

How do I say 'good manners' in Spanish?

You can use the phrase 'buenas costumbres' to refer to someone who acts politely and follows social rules.