A simple, wide-brimmed brown hat shown prominently against a colorful background.

sombrero

som-BREH-roh

nounmA1

hat?General term for headwear, often implying a brim

Also:wide-brimmed hat?Especially when distinguishing from a simple cap (gorra),fedora?A specific style of hat

📝 In Action

Necesito un sombrero nuevo para la playa.

I need a new hat for the beach.

Se quitó el sombrero cuando entró a la iglesia.

He took off his hat when he entered the church.

El mariachi llevaba un sombrero muy elegante y grande.

The mariachi wore a very elegant and large hat.

Word Connections

Synonyms

gorra (cap (like a baseball cap))
gorro (beanie / winter hat)

Common Collocations

sombrero de paja – straw hat
sombrero de copa – top hat

Idioms & Expressions

Quitarse el sombrero – To express deep admiration or respect for someone's actions or ability.
Ponerse el sombrero – To assume a specific role or responsibility (often figurative, like 'putting on the sales hat').

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'sombrero' ends in 'o', it is a masculine word. Always use 'el' (the) and 'un' (a) before it. The plural is 'los sombreros'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong word for headwear

Mistake: "Using 'sombrero' for a tight-fitting winter hat (gorro) or a baseball cap (gorra)."

Correction: 'Sombrero' usually refers to a hat with a brim, while 'gorra' and 'gorro' are used for other types of head coverings.

⭐ Usage Tips

Remembering the meaning

The word comes from 'sombra' (shade/shadow). A 'sombrero' is essentially a device for making shade!

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: sombrero

Question 1 of 2

Which English phrase best captures the figurative meaning of the Spanish idiom 'Quitarse el sombrero'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

sombra(shade / shadow) - noun

sombrilla(parasol / beach umbrella) - noun

sombrerero(hat maker / hatter) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'sombrero' only refer to the big Mexican hat?

No. While the iconic, wide-brimmed Mexican hat is formally called a 'sombrero de charro,' the word 'sombrero' in Spanish simply means 'hat' and applies to fedoras, sun hats, and many other styles.

How do I know if I should use 'sombrero' or 'gorra'?

If the headwear has a full brim that goes all the way around (like a Panama hat or a cowboy hat), use 'sombrero'. If it has only a visor or peak in the front (like a baseball cap), use 'gorra'.