Inklingo

How to Say "cigar" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cigarro

/see-GAH-rroh//siˈɣa.ro/

nounB1general
Use 'cigarro' for a general, large roll of tobacco leaves intended for smoking, without specific connotations of quality or origin.
A simple illustration of a thick, brown cigar made of rolled tobacco leaves, featuring a simple red and gold band around the middle.

Examples

Mi abuelo solo fuma cigarros en ocasiones especiales.

My grandfather only smokes cigars on special occasions.

Compramos un cigarro dominicano muy aromático.

We bought a very aromatic Dominican cigar.

puro

POO-roh/ˈpuɾo/

nounB1general
Choose 'puro' when referring to a cigar made entirely of tobacco leaves, often implying a higher quality or a specific type of cigar.

Examples

Se sentó en el porche a fumar un puro.

He sat on the porch to smoke a cigar.

Los puros cubanos son famosos en todo el mundo.

Cuban cigars are famous all over the world.

The Noun vs. The Adjective

When 'puro' is used as a noun, it always refers to a cigar and is always masculine ('el puro'). As an adjective, it changes form ('pura'). Context will tell you which one is being used.

tabaco

/tah-BAH-koh//taˈβa.ko/

nounB1regional
Use 'tabaco' for 'cigar' especially in the Caribbean, or when referring to tobacco in a broader sense that might include cigarettes.
A single, lit white cigarette resting horizontally on a flat surface, emitting a thin wisp of smoke.

Examples

¿Me regalas un tabaco? Olvidé los míos en casa.

Can you give me a cigarette? I forgot mine at home.

El señor estaba fumando un tabaco enorme en el balcón.

The gentleman was smoking a huge cigar on the balcony.

General vs. Specific Cigar Terms

Learners often mistakenly use 'cigarro' for every type of cigar. Remember that 'puro' specifically denotes a cigar made purely from tobacco, and 'tabaco' has broader uses, including sometimes referring to cigarettes, especially in certain regions.

Related Translations

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