Inklingo

How to Say "costume" in Spanish

English → Spanish

disfraz

/dees-frahs//disˈfɾaθ/

nounA1informal
Use 'disfraz' for outfits worn to parties, celebrations, or for imaginative play, like a costume for Halloween or a themed party.
A happy child wearing a fluffy, full-body lion costume with a mane and tail, ready for a party.

Examples

Los niños se pusieron un disfraz de superhéroe para Halloween.

The children put on a superhero costume for Halloween.

Mi hermana se puso un disfraz de hada para la fiesta de cumpleaños.

My sister put on a fairy costume for the birthday party.

El niño no reconoció a su padre con el disfraz de oso.

The child didn't recognize his father in the bear disguise.

Necesitamos comprar un disfraz nuevo para Halloween.

We need to buy a new costume for Halloween.

Gender Rule

Even though 'disfraz' ends in 'z', it is always a masculine noun. You must use 'el' (el disfraz) and 'los' for the plural ('los disfraces').

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'disfraz' (the noun) when you mean 'to dress up'.”

Correction: To say 'I dressed up,' use the related verb 'disfrazarse' (Me disfracé), not the noun.

traje

/TRA-hey//'tɾaxe/

nounA2
Use 'traje' when referring to a more formal or specific outfit, such as a suit for an interview or a traditional costume for a festival.
A neatly tailored dark blue formal suit, consisting of a jacket and matching trousers, displayed hanging on a wooden hanger.

Examples

Para la fiesta de disfraces, algunos invitados usaron un traje de época.

For the costume party, some guests wore a period costume.

Compré un traje nuevo para la entrevista.

I bought a new suit for the interview.

No olvides tu traje de baño para ir a la piscina.

Don't forget your swimsuit to go to the pool.

El traje regional de Andalucía es muy colorido.

The regional costume of Andalusia is very colorful.

It's a Masculine Noun

Even though clothing can be for anyone, the word 'traje' is always masculine. So, you'll always say 'el traje' (the suit) or 'un traje bonito' (a nice suit).

vestuario

/ves-TWAH-rio//besˈtwa.ɾjo/

nounA2
Use 'vestuario' specifically for the collection of costumes worn by actors in a theater, film, or television production.
An illustration of an open wooden wardrobe closet filled with many colorful shirts, pants, and dresses hanging neatly on racks and folded on shelves.

Examples

El vestuario de la película ganó un premio por su originalidad.

The costume (wardrobe) for the film won an award for its originality.

El vestuario para la obra de teatro es muy colorido.

The costumes (wardrobe) for the play are very colorful.

Necesito actualizar mi vestuario de trabajo.

I need to update my work wardrobe.

Ella tiene un vestuario increíblemente elegante.

She has an incredibly elegant collection of clothes.

Always Masculine

Even though 'ropa' (clothing) is feminine, 'vestuario' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Disguise vs. Outfit

Learners often confuse 'disfraz' and 'traje'. Remember that 'disfraz' is for playful, imaginative outfits (like Halloween), while 'traje' can refer to a more formal outfit or a specific traditional costume.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.