Inklingo

How to Say "pin" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pin” is “código” — use 'código' when referring to a sequence of numbers or letters used to access or unlock something, like a phone or a computer system.

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código

nounA1general
Use 'código' when referring to a sequence of numbers or letters used to access or unlock something, like a phone or a computer system.

Examples

¿Cuál es el código para desbloquear tu teléfono?

What is the code to unlock your phone?

alfiler

al-fee-LEHRal.fiˈleɾ

nounA2general
Use 'alfiler' for a small, sharp piece of metal used for fastening or holding things together, especially in sewing or crafts.
A single silver sewing pin with a round red head lying on a white surface.

Examples

Necesito un alfiler para sujetar la tela.

I need a pin to hold the fabric.

Ten cuidado, hay un alfiler en el suelo.

Be careful, there is a pin on the floor.

El sastre marcó el traje con varios alfileres.

The tailor marked the suit with several pins.

Masculine Ending in 'r'

Even though many beginners think most masculine words end in 'o', words ending in 'r' like 'alfiler' are almost always masculine.

Making it Plural

Since it ends in a consonant (r), you add '-es' to make it plural: 'los alfileres'.

Don't confuse it with 'aguja'

Mistake: “Usar un alfiler para coser con hilo.”

Correction: Use 'aguja' (needle) for sewing with thread. An 'alfiler' is just for holding things in place temporarily.

clave

KLAH-vehˈklaβe

nounA2general
Use 'clave' primarily for a password or a key code that grants access to a private account or system, like email or online banking.
A cartoon hand typing on a brightly colored padlock-shaped keyboard, causing the lock to click open.

Examples

Olvidé la clave de mi correo electrónico.

I forgot my email password.

Por seguridad, cambia tu clave cada mes.

For security, change your code every month.

Always Feminine

Even though 'clave' refers to a code or password, it is always a feminine noun: 'la clave'.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “El clave (using the masculine article)”

Correction: La clave (always use the feminine article 'la' or 'una').

broche

bro-cheˈbɾotʃe

nounA2general
Choose 'broche' when referring to a decorative pin, often ornamental, used as jewelry or to fasten clothing, like a lapel pin or a brooch.
A decorative golden clasp fastening a necklace.

Examples

Se me rompió el broche de la pulsera.

The clasp of my bracelet broke.

Ella lleva un broche de plata en su chaqueta.

She is wearing a silver brooch on her jacket.

Asegúrate de cerrar bien el broche del collar.

Make sure to close the necklace clasp properly.

It's a Masculine Word

Even though it ends in 'e', 'broche' is masculine, so you always say 'el broche' or 'un broche'.

Plural Form

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' to the end: 'los broches'.

Using 'pin' for jewelry

Mistake: “Me gusta tu pin.”

Correction: Me gusta tu broche.

Código vs. Clave for PINs

Learners often confuse 'código' and 'clave' when referring to a PIN. While both can mean 'code,' 'código' is more general for unlocking devices, whereas 'clave' is more specific to passwords for accounts.

Related Translations

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