Inklingo

How to Say "knot" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “knot” is “nudo” — use 'nudo' when referring to a physical tightening of string, rope, shoelaces, or hair, or metaphorically for the central conflict in a story..

English → Spanish

nudo

/NOO-doh//ˈnuðo/

nounA2general
Use 'nudo' when referring to a physical tightening of string, rope, shoelaces, or hair, or metaphorically for the central conflict in a story.
A thick brown rope with a large, tight knot in the center.

Examples

Hice un nudo muy fuerte en la cuerda para que no se desatara.

I made a very strong knot in the rope so it wouldn't come undone.

Hice un nudo muy fuerte en mis zapatos para que no se suelten.

I made a very strong knot in my shoes so they don't come undone.

Tengo muchos nudos en el pelo después de caminar por el viento.

I have a lot of knots in my hair after walking in the wind.

La historia tiene una introducción, un nudo y un desenlace.

The story has an introduction, a middle (climax), and a resolution.

Using 'Hacer' with Nudo

To say 'to tie a knot,' Spanish speakers almost always use the verb 'hacer' (to make) rather than 'atar' (to tie).

The Story Sandwich

In Spanish literature class, every story is taught as having three parts: Inicio (Start), Nudo (The 'knot' or complication), and Desenlace (The 'unknotting' or ending).

The 'Naked' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'nudo' to mean 'naked'.”

Correction: Use 'desnudo' for 'naked'. 'Nudo' only refers to the knot itself.

lazo

/LAH-soh//ˈlaso/

nounA2general
Use 'lazo' for a decorative tie, like a bow on a gift, or a ribbon tied in a loop.
A bright red decorative ribbon tied into a perfect bow.

Examples

Puso un lazo rosa en el paquete de regalo.

She put a pink bow on the gift package.

Puse un lazo rojo en el regalo de cumpleaños.

I put a red bow on the birthday gift.

Ella siempre lleva un lazo en el pelo.

She always wears a ribbon in her hair.

Masculine Ending

Since it ends in -o, it uses masculine words like 'el' or 'un'.

Nudo vs. Lazo

Learners often confuse 'nudo' and 'lazo' because both can refer to tied things. Remember that 'nudo' is for functional, tight knots (like in rope or shoelaces), while 'lazo' is for decorative bows or loops.

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