Inklingo

How to Say "pins" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pins” is “agujas” — use 'agujas' when referring to the sharp, pointed metal objects used for sewing or in medical contexts (like sewing needles or medical needles)..

English → Spanish

agujas

/ah-GOO-hahs//aˈɡuxas/

nounA1general
Use 'agujas' when referring to the sharp, pointed metal objects used for sewing or in medical contexts (like sewing needles or medical needles).
A collection of thin metal sewing needles resting on a pincushion.

Examples

Necesito una aguja nueva para coser este botón.

I need a new needle to sew this button.

Ten cuidado con las agujas en el costurero.

Be careful with the needles in the sewing box.

El enfermero cambió las agujas para la vacuna.

The nurse changed the needles for the vaccine.

Feminine Plural

This is the plural form of 'aguja'. It is always feminine, so use 'las' or 'unas' with it.

Needles vs. Pins

Mistake: “Using 'agujas' for everything sharp.”

Correction: Use 'agujas' for things with a hole (eye) for thread or for medical injections. Use 'alfileres' for pins used to hold fabric together.

piernas

/pee-EHR-nahs//'pjeɾnas/

nouninformal
Use 'piernas' as very informal slang for the legs of a person, especially when talking about them hurting after physical activity.
A simplistic storybook illustration showing the lower half of a person's body: two legs wearing blue trousers and brown shoes, mid-stride on a grassy path.

Examples

Mis piernas están agotadas después de la maratón.

My legs are exhausted after the marathon.

Me duelen las piernas después de correr diez kilómetros.

My legs hurt after running ten kilometers.

Ella tiene piernas largas y fuertes, perfectas para el ciclismo.

She has long, strong legs, perfect for cycling.

Necesitamos estirar las piernas antes de seguir conduciendo.

We need to stretch our legs before continuing to drive.

Feminine Plural Noun

Since this word ends in '-as,' it is always a feminine plural noun. You must use the feminine article 'las' (the) before it.

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Using 'pierna' when referring to both legs.”

Correction: When talking about both of your limbs, or when talking about having a quick walk, always use the plural 'piernas' (las piernas, mis piernas).

patas

PAH-tas/ˈpatas/

nounB1informal
Use 'patas' informally to refer to your own legs or feet, often humorously or when complaining about soreness after exertion.
A simplistic illustration of a pair of bare human feet standing on a grassy ground.

Examples

¡Qué cansado estoy! Se me duelen las patas.

I'm so tired! My legs/feet are aching.

Me duelen mucho las patas después de la caminata.

My feet/legs really hurt after the walk.

Llegué a pata porque el autobús se retrasó.

I arrived on foot because the bus was delayed.

bolos

/BOH-lohs//ˈbolos/

nounA2general
Use 'bolos' specifically for the objects that are set up to be knocked down in the game of bowling.
A close-up of ten white bowling pins standing in a triangular formation.

Examples

El jugador de bolos lanzó la bola con fuerza.

The bowler threw the ball hard.

He derribado todos los bolos de un tiro.

I knocked down all the pins in one shot.

Legs vs. Needles

The most common confusion is between 'agujas' (needles) and words for legs ('patas'/'piernas'). Remember that 'agujas' are sharp objects for sewing or medical use, while 'patas' and 'piernas' refer to the limbs used for walking.

Related Translations

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