cuerdas

/KWEHR-dahs/

ropes

A thick, heavy, brown braided rope is neatly coiled on a neutral surface.

When referring to thick, heavy lines used for binding or pulling, cuerdas means ropes.

cuerdas(noun)

fA1

ropes

Thick, heavy lines used for binding or pulling

cords

General term for thick string

Also:

lines

e.g., clotheslines

cables

Heavy duty lines

📝 In Action

Atamos la carga con unas cuerdas muy fuertes.

We tied the load with some very strong ropes.

Las cuerdas de tender la ropa estaban rotas.

The clotheslines were broken.

Word Connections

Synonyms

lazos (ties, bonds)
cables (cables)

Common Collocations

tirar de las cuerdas – to pull the ropes
soltar las cuerdas – to release the ropes

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Reminder

Remember that cuerda is a feminine noun, so its plural form cuerdas always uses feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., las cuerdas, cuerdas largas).

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

When talking about physical binding or security, cuerdas is the perfect word. For electrical wires, you might use cables or alambres instead.

A close-up view showing the thin, taut strings stretched across the neck and fretboard of a wooden acoustic guitar.

When speaking of musical instruments, cuerdas means strings.

cuerdas(noun)

fA2

strings

Of a musical instrument

Also:

gut

Material used for tennis rackets

vocal cords

Used in the phrase 'cuerdas vocales'

📝 In Action

Las cuerdas de la guitarra están desafinadas.

The guitar strings are out of tune.

El violín tiene cuatro cuerdas.

The violin has four strings.

El cantante forzó demasiado sus cuerdas vocales.

The singer strained his vocal cords too much.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cordaje (stringing (of a racquet))

Common Collocations

cambiar las cuerdas – to change the strings
instrumentos de cuerda – string instruments

Idioms & Expressions

estar en las cuerdas – to be in a very difficult or vulnerable position (like a boxer against the ropes)

💡 Grammar Points

Musical Terminology

When referring to musical instruments, cuerdas is the standard term. You will often hear 'instrumentos de cuerda' (string instruments) to describe violins, guitars, etc.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Cuerdas' and 'Hilos'

Mistake: "Using *hilos* when referring to guitar strings."

Correction: Use *cuerdas* for musical strings. *Hilos* are generally much thinner threads, like sewing thread.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cuerdas

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'cuerdas' to refer to a musical context?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

cuerda(rope, string (singular)) - noun

encordar(to string (a racquet or instrument)) - verb

cordel(thin cord, twine) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'cuerdas' have a relationship with the verb 'recordar' (to remember)?

Yes, they look and sound similar! While *cuerdas* is a noun, the verb form 'tú recuerdas' (you remember) comes from the same root idea of gathering or bringing things back together. However, they are used completely differently in a sentence.

How do I say 'vocal cords' in Spanish?

You use the plural noun: *cuerdas vocales*.