Inklingo

How to Say "string" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “string” is “hilo” — use 'hilo' for a thin, flexible cord, especially when referring to thread used for sewing or a very fine string.

English → Spanish

hilo

EE-lohˈilo

nounA1general
Use 'hilo' for a thin, flexible cord, especially when referring to thread used for sewing or a very fine string.
A large spool of vibrant red sewing thread with a silver needle threaded through it, ready for use.

Examples

Necesito un carrete de hilo blanco para coser esta falda.

I need a spool of white thread to sew this skirt.

El gato jugó con el hilo hasta que lo rompió.

The cat played with the yarn until it broke it.

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'hilo' is always masculine, so you must use 'el hilo' and 'un hilo', even though it starts with an 'h'.

Confusing Thread and Rope

Mistake: “Using 'hilo' for a thick rope or cable.”

Correction: Use 'cuerda' or 'soga' for thick rope, and reserve 'hilo' for thin, fine strands.

cuerda

KWEHR-dahˈkweɾða

nounB1general
Use 'cuerda' when referring to the strings of a musical instrument like a guitar or violin, or a thicker rope-like string.
A single, thin, taut metal string stretched across the dark wooden surface of a musical instrument.

Examples

Necesito cambiar la sexta cuerda de mi guitarra.

I need to change the sixth string on my guitar.

El violín tiene cuatro cuerdas.

The violin has four strings.

String Section

Mistake: “Using 'sección de cuerdas' for the orchestra section.”

Correction: While understandable, the preferred term for the orchestra section is *la sección de violines* or *los instrumentos de cuerda*.

cordón

nounA1informal
Use 'cordón' for drawstrings found on clothing like hoodies, or for shoelaces.

Examples

Tengo que atarme el cordón del zapato.

I have to tie my shoelace.

cadena

kah-DEH-nahkaˈðena

nounB2general
Use 'cadena' to refer to a connected sequence of things, like a chain of events, a series, or a physical chain.
A horizontal row of five identical, brightly colored geometric blocks connected sequentially by short lines, demonstrating a continuous series.

Examples

La cadena de eventos que llevó a la crisis fue larga y compleja.

The chain of events that led to the crisis was long and complex.

El error inicial desencadenó una cadena de reacciones inesperadas.

The initial mistake triggered a chain of unexpected reactions.

Figurative Use

This meaning uses the idea of a physical chain to describe how one event leads directly to the next, linking them together.

horca

OR-kahˈoɾka

nounB2specialized
Use 'horca' specifically when referring to a bundle of garlic or onions tied together, or a pitchfork.
A wooden-handled pitchfork leaning against a large pile of golden hay.

Examples

El campesino usó la horca para mover la paja.

The farmer used the pitchfork to move the straw.

Compré una horca de ajos en el mercado local.

I bought a string of garlic at the local market.

Apoyó la horca contra la pared del establo.

He leaned the pitchfork against the stable wall.

A 'Forked' Root

The word comes from the Latin word for 'fork.' This helps explain why it's used for both the tool and the execution structure, as both have a 'forked' or 'branching' shape.

Confusing 'Hilo', 'Cuerda', and 'Cordón'

Learners often confuse 'hilo' (thin thread), 'cuerda' (musical string, thicker rope), and 'cordón' (drawstring, shoelace). Remember that 'hilo' is for sewing, 'cuerda' is for instruments or thicker ropes, and 'cordón' is specifically for drawstrings and laces.

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