Inklingo

How to Say "cuts" in Spanish

English → Spanish

corta

KOR-tah/ˈkoɾta/

verbA1general
Use 'corta' when referring to the action of cutting something, specifically as the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'cortar'.
A close-up view of a hand holding a pair of silver scissors actively cutting a piece of blue paper.

Examples

Mi hermana siempre corta el césped los sábados.

My sister always cuts the grass on Saturdays.

¡Corta el pan en rebanadas finas, por favor!

Cut the bread into thin slices, please!

Cuando habla, siempre corta la conversación de los demás.

When she speaks, she always interrupts other people's conversation.

Verb Forms

The form 'corta' is used for 'he/she/it' and 'usted' (formal you) in the present, AND it is the informal command ('tú') for telling someone to cut.

cortes

kor-tes/ˈkoɾtes/

nounA2general
Use 'cortes' to refer to physical wounds or incisions, typically resulting from sharp objects.
A close-up illustration of a hand showing a small, clean red cut on a finger, suggesting a physical wound.

Examples

Los cortes en su brazo eran superficiales.

The cuts on his arm were superficial.

Tuvimos varios cortes de electricidad durante la tormenta.

We had several power cuts during the storm.

Me gusta el corte de pelo que tienes.

I like the haircut (literally, 'cut of hair') you have.

Gender Trap

Even though the singular noun el corte ends in -e, it is masculine, meaning its plural form los cortes is also masculine. Always use 'los' with this meaning.

heridas

eh-REE-dahs/eˈɾi.ðas/

nounA2general
Use 'heridas' to describe minor injuries or wounds, which can be caused by various means, not just sharp objects.
A close-up view of a human forearm showing three distinct, small cuts or scrapes, some partially covered by small, square bandages.

Examples

Las heridas en su brazo necesitan limpieza inmediata.

The wounds on his arm need immediate cleaning.

Después del accidente, las heridas fueron superficiales.

After the accident, the injuries were superficial.

El tiempo cura todas las heridas, dicen.

Time heals all wounds, they say.

Always Feminine

The word 'herida' (singular) and 'heridas' (plural) is always feminine, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'las heridas').

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

Learners often confuse the verb 'corta' (he/she/it cuts) with the noun 'cortes' (cuts/incisions). Remember, 'corta' is an action performed by someone, while 'cortes' refers to the resulting physical damage.

Related Translations

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