Inklingo

How to Say "seam" in Spanish

English → Spanish

costura

kos-TOO-rahkosˈtuɾa

nounA2general
Use 'costura' specifically for the line where two pieces of fabric are joined together by sewing.
A close-up of a straight line of stitches joining two different colored pieces of cloth.

Examples

Se me rompió la costura del pantalón.

The seam of my pants ripped.

Esta costura está un poco torcida.

This seam is a bit crooked.

Debes abrir las costuras con la plancha.

You should press the seams open with the iron.

Always Feminine

Even if you are talking about a man's suit, the word 'costura' is always feminine. You will always say 'la costura.'

Medical Stitches

Mistake: “El médico me puso cinco costuras.”

Correction: El médico me dio cinco puntos. Don't use 'costura' for medical stitches; use 'puntos' instead.

junta

HOON-tahˈxunta

nounB1general
Use 'junta' to describe a line of connection or joint between two separate parts, like pipes or building materials, not typically related to fabric or sewing.
A close-up view of two sturdy wooden planks connected seamlessly by a simple physical joint.

Examples

Hay que revisar la junta de la tubería porque está goteando.

We have to check the joint of the piping because it is leaking.

El mecánico dijo que la junta del motor estaba dañada.

The mechanic said the engine gasket was damaged.

Costura vs. Junta

Learners often mistakenly use 'costura' for any type of connection. Remember that 'costura' is exclusively for sewn seams in fabric, while 'junta' refers to mechanical or structural joints.

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