Inklingo

How to Say "ribbon" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cinta

SEEN-tah/ˈsin̪.t̪a/

nounA1
Use 'cinta' for a general decorative strip of fabric, often used for crafts, packaging, or hair accessories.
A bright red fabric ribbon tied neatly into a simple decorative bow.

Examples

Ató el regalo con una cinta roja y brillante.

She tied the present with a bright red ribbon.

Ella se puso una cinta en el pelo.

She put a ribbon in her hair.

Gender Alert

Remember that 'cinta' is always a feminine word, so it must use feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'la cinta', 'una cinta larga').

lazo

/LAH-soh//ˈlaso/

nounA2
Choose 'lazo' specifically when referring to a decorative bow made from a ribbon, typically used for gifts or on clothing.
A bright red decorative ribbon tied into a perfect bow.

Examples

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'.

tira

TEE-rah/ˈti.ɾa/

nounA2
Use 'tira' when you mean a simple, thin strip of material, which could be decorative but emphasizes its shape rather than its function as a ribbon.
A long, narrow piece of brightly colored red fabric lying flat.

Examples

Corta una tira de tela para envolver el regalo.

Cut a strip of fabric to wrap the gift.

La policía puso una tira amarilla alrededor de la escena.

The police put a yellow strip (tape) around the scene.

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-a', remember that 'tira' is always feminine, so you must use 'la tira' or 'una tira'.

banda

/BAHN-dah//ˈbanda/

nounB2
Opt for 'banda' when referring to a long, wide strip of material, often worn decoratively or symbolically, like a sash or a band.
A stylized drawing of a ceremonial red ribbon worn diagonally across a white shirt.

Examples

El uniforme llevaba una banda roja cruzada sobre el pecho.

The uniform had a red sash crossed over the chest.

Colocaron una banda en el coche del ganador del rally.

They put a ribbon (or 'strip') on the rally winner's car.

Ribbon vs. Bow

The most frequent confusion is between 'cinta' and 'lazo'. Remember that 'cinta' is the ribbon itself, while 'lazo' specifically refers to a bow made from a ribbon, often tied into a decorative knot.

Related Translations

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