alambre de púas
/aˌlambɾe de ˈpuas/masculine
The English phrase 'barbed wire' is translated into Spanish as alambre de púas. If unsure, use alambre de púas. Wiktionary also lists alambre de espino and alambre de espinas.
Meaning: twisted strands of steel wire (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alambre de púas | /aˌlambɾe de ˈpuas/ | masculine |
| alambre de espino | /aˌlambɾe de esˈpino/ | masculine |
| alambre de espinas | /aˌlambɾe de esˈpinas/ | Spain, masculine |
The term refers to twisted strands of steel wire.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase alambre de púas literally translates to 'wire of barbs'.
Which one should you use?
Alambre de púas is the most common and neutral way to say 'barbed wire' across most of Latin America. In contrast, alambre de espino is a common regional variation used in many parts of Latin America, while alambre de espinas is a form specifically used in Spain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Alambre de espino is used in many parts of Latin America, and alambre de espinas is used in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you pluralize the noun 'alambre' to 'alambres', resulting in alambres de púas.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˌlambɾe de ˈpuas/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the phrase poner alambres can be used metaphorically to mean restricting someone's movement or freedom.
- The word espina, used in the Spanish variation alambre de espinas, refers to both a plant thorn and a fish bone.
- The regional variation alambre de espino specifically references the espino, which is the blackthorn or sloe tree.
Examples in context
- El edificio está rodeado con alambre de púas.The building is surrounded by a barbed wire fence.This sentence shows how to use alambre de púas to describe a building being surrounded by a fence.Tatoeba #2343027 by marcelostockle, translation #2342644 by Hybrid
- El campo fue cercado con alambre de púas para mantener alejado al ganado.The field was fenced off with barbed wire to keep the cattle away.
- El campo tiene una cerca de alambre de púas.The field has a barbed wire fence.
- Ten cuidado con ese alambre de púas.Be careful with that barbed wire.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are walking near an old abandoned farm.
- LucíaMira, hay alambre de púas en ese límite.Look, there is barbed wire on that boundary.
- AlejandroParece muy viejo y oxidado.It looks very old and rusty.
- LucíaNo te acerques demasiado, Alejandro.Don't get too close, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEstá bien, no quiero cortarme.Okay, I don't want to cut myself.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “barbed wire” translations and entries alambre de púas, alambre de espino, alambre de espinas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alambre, alambre de púas, de, espino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
