Inklingo
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malla

MA-yah/ˈma.ʝa/

mesh, netting

Also: screen
NounfA2
A close-up view of a metal wire mesh screen with a repeating diamond pattern.

📝 In Action

Pusimos una malla metálica para que el perro no se escape.

A2

We put up a wire mesh so the dog wouldn't escape.

La pelota de tenis golpeó la malla y no pasó.

A2

The tennis ball hit the netting and didn't go over.

Necesitas una malla fina para filtrar la arena.

B1

You need a fine mesh to filter the sand.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • sólido (solid surface)

Common Collocations

  • malla metálica – wire mesh
  • malla de seguridad – safety netting
  • malla de alambre – chicken wire / wire mesh

Idioms & Expressions

  • cota de malla – chainmail armor worn by medieval knights

leggings, tights

Also: leotard
NounfA2
A pair of bright purple athletic leggings laid out flat on a clean surface.

📝 In Action

Me compré unas mallas nuevas para ir al gimnasio.

A2

I bought some new leggings to go to the gym.

Las bailarinas llevan mallas negras.

A2

The dancers wear black tights.

Esta malla es muy cómoda para correr.

B1

This leotard (or unitard) is very comfortable for running.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • leotardos (tights/leotards)
  • licras (spandex/leggings)

Antonyms

  • pantalones anchos (baggy pants)

Common Collocations

  • mallas de ciclismo – cycling tights
  • mallas térmicas – thermal leggings

swimsuit, bathing suit

NounfB1
Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay
A bright red one-piece swimsuit with a simple design.

📝 In Action

¡Vamos al río! No olvides tu malla.

A2

Let's go to the river! Don't forget your swimsuit.

¿Dónde dejé la malla? Quiero entrar a la piscina.

A2

Where did I leave my bathing suit? I want to get in the pool.

Me tengo que comprar una malla enteriza.

B1

I have to buy a one-piece swimsuit.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • traje de baño (swimsuit (neutral))
  • bañador (swimsuit (Spain))

Common Collocations

  • malla enteriza – one-piece swimsuit
  • malla de dos piezas – two-piece swimsuit

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: malla

Question 1 of 3

If you are in Argentina and someone says '¡No olvides la malla!', where are you likely going?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
mallar(to net or make mesh) — Verb
enmallar(to trap in a net) — Verb
mallazo(steel fabric/reinforcement mesh) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'macula', which originally meant 'spot' or 'stain'. Over time, it came to describe the holes or loops in a net, which looked like spots.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: mailleItalian: maglia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'malla' and 'red'?

'Red' is a general term for a net (like a fishing net or the internet). 'Malla' refers more specifically to the material or the individual loops that make up the net, and it's used for wire fencing and athletic clothing.

Is 'malla' used for fishnet stockings?

Yes! These are called 'medias de malla' or 'medias de rejilla'.

Can I use 'malla' for a window screen to keep bugs out?

Yes, specifically 'malla mosquitera' is the common term for a mosquito screen.