ojalar
“ojalar” means “to make buttonholes” in Spanish (tailoring and garment construction).
to make buttonholes
Also: to pierce
📝 In Action
Tengo que ojalar la chaqueta antes de terminarla.
B1I have to make the buttonholes in the jacket before finishing it.
La modista ojalará el vestido a mano.
B2The dressmaker will make the buttonholes in the dress by hand.
Es más rápido ojalar con una máquina moderna.
A2It is faster to make buttonholes with a modern machine.
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Indicative
Present
Preterite
Imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "ojalar" in Spanish:
to pierce→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ojalar
Question 1 of 3
What are you doing if you are 'ojalando'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the noun 'ojal' (buttonhole), which comes from 'ojo' (eye), referring to the eye-like shape of a hole in fabric.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ojalar' related to the word 'ojalá'?
No. While they look similar, 'ojalá' comes from an Arabic phrase meaning 'should God will it,' whereas 'ojalar' comes from 'ojo' (eye) because buttonholes look like little eyes.
Is this word used often in daily conversation?
Not really, unless you are talking about sewing, fashion design, or tailoring.
Can I use 'ojalar' for any kind of hole?
Usually, it is specifically for buttonholes in clothing. For other types of holes, words like 'perforar' or 'agujerear' are more common.