tijeras
“tijeras” means “scissors” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
scissors, shears
📝 In Action
Por favor, ¿me prestas las tijeras para abrir el paquete?
A1Please, can you lend me the scissors to open the package?
Estas tijeras de cocina son muy afiladas.
A2These kitchen shears are very sharp.
scissor kick, scissors (wrestling hold)
📝 In Action
El luchador aplicó unas tijeras invertidas a su oponente.
B2The wrestler applied a reverse scissors hold to his opponent.
La patada de tijeras es esencial para el estilo de natación de lado.
C1The scissor kick is essential for the sidestroke swimming style.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tijeras
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'tijeras'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Late Latin *tonsōria*, meaning 'a cutting instrument' or 'a shearing tool,' related to the verb *tondēre* (to shear or clip).
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'tijeras' plural if I only have one pair?
Many tools that have two main parts joined together (like glasses, pants, or scissors) are treated as plural in Spanish. You always use 'las tijeras' (the scissors) or 'unas tijeras' (some scissors), even for a single item.
Is there a singular form, 'tijera'?
While the word 'tijera' exists, it is rarely used in modern Spanish for the common cutting tool. Stick to the plural 'tijeras' to sound natural.