How to Say "hood" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “hood” is “capucha” — use 'capucha' for the part of a jacket, sweatshirt, or other garment that covers the head.
capucha
ka-POO-chakaˈput͡ʃa
Examples
Ponte la capucha, que está empezando a llover.
Put your hood on; it's starting to rain.
Prefiero comprar sudaderas que tengan una capucha grande.
I prefer to buy sweatshirts that have a big hood.
El sospechoso llevaba una capucha para que no se viera su cara.
The suspect was wearing a hood so his face wouldn't be seen.
Always Feminine
Even if a man is wearing it, the word is always 'la capucha'. Don't forget to match your describing words (adjectives) to its feminine ending, like 'una capucha negra'.
Describing Clothes
To say something 'has' a hood, Spanish uses the word 'con' (with). Instead of saying 'a hooded jacket,' you say 'una chaqueta con capucha'.
Capucha vs. Gorro
Mistake: “Using 'capucha' for a winter woolly hat.”
Correction: Use 'gorro' for a hat you put on separately, and 'capucha' for the one that is physically attached to your jacket or sweater.
cofre
KOH-frehˈkofɾe
Examples
Tengo que abrir el cofre para revisar el aceite.
I have to open the hood to check the oil.
Salió humo del cofre del coche.
Smoke came out of the car's hood.
El mecánico cerró el cofre con fuerza.
The mechanic slammed the hood shut.
Describing Car Parts
Just like the storage chest, this version of the word also uses 'el' and 'un'.
Location matters
Mistake: “Using 'cofre' for a car hood in Spain.”
Correction: In Spain, people usually say 'capó.' If you say 'cofre' there, they might think you are talking about a roof-mounted cargo box.
campana
kahm-PAH-nahkamˈpana
Examples
Instalamos una campana nueva sobre la estufa para sacar el humo.
We installed a new hood above the stove to extract the smoke.
El científico puso el experimento bajo una campana de cristal.
The scientist put the experiment under a glass bell jar.
Shape Connection
This meaning comes directly from the shape of a bell (wide and open at the bottom). Any object that has this characteristic shape can be called a 'campana' in technical language.
capilla
kah-PEE-yahkaˈpiʝa
Examples
El monje se cubrió la cabeza con la capilla de su hábito.
The monk covered his head with the hood of his habit.
Confusing clothing hoods with car hoods
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