Inklingo

How to Say "strips" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tiras

TEE-rahs/ˈtiɾas/

nounA2general
Use 'tiras' for general, everyday long, narrow pieces of material, often for crafts or simple repairs.
A simple illustration of four distinct, long, narrow strips of colored fabric, such as blue, yellow, green, and red, lying side by side on a neutral surface.

Examples

Necesito dos tiras de tela roja para el proyecto.

I need two strips of red fabric for the project.

Siempre leo las tiras de Mafalda en internet.

I always read the Mafalda comic strips online.

Las tiras adhesivas no pegan bien en esta superficie.

The adhesive strips don't stick well to this surface.

Plural Noun

Since 'tiras' ends in -s, it is a plural word. It requires plural articles and adjectives (e.g., 'las tiras rojas').

bandas

BAHN-dahs/ˈbandas/

nounB1general
Use 'bandas' for more technical or functional strips, like those found in machinery, exercise equipment, or for musical groups.
Three long, narrow, colorful strips of fabric, one red, one blue, and one yellow, laid out side by side on a plain white surface.

Examples

Necesitamos bandas nuevas para la máquina de gimnasio.

We need new belts for the gym machine (treadmill, etc.).

Las bandas de tela decoraban el salón.

The strips of cloth decorated the hall.

Physical Objects

Think of this meaning as describing anything that is long, narrow, and flat, whether it's fabric, rubber, or magnetic material (like a magnetic strip on a card).

Tiras vs. Bandas

The most common mistake is using 'bandas' when 'tiras' is more appropriate for everyday items. 'Tiras' is generally for simpler, often handmade or cut-to-size pieces, while 'bandas' implies a more specific function or a manufactured component.

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