bufanda
/buˈfanda/
The Spanish word bufanda means scarf.
bufanda refers to a long, knitted or woven scarf worn around the neck.
Which one should you use?
While bufanda refers to a long, knitted or woven scarf, it is distinct from a pañuelo, which usually refers to a small handkerchief or a headscarf.
How does it change in a sentence?
bufanda is a feminine noun, so it is used with the feminine indefinite article una to say una bufanda (a scarf). The plural form of bufanda is bufandas.
How do you pronounce it?
/buˈfanda/
Did you know?
- The word bufanda likely comes from the Old French word bouffante, meaning 'to puff up'. This is why it shares an imitative root with the English word 'puff'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, a bufanda is not just clothing but a symbol of loyalty to a football team, often worn as a 'fan scarf' during matches.
- While bufanda is used for winter scarves, the word estola is used for the long, decorative fabric wraps worn over the shoulders at formal events or weddings.
Examples in context
- ¿Has visto mi bufanda gris? La dejé en la silla del comedor.Have you seen my grey scarf? I left it on the dining room chair.
- ¡Qué bonita esa bufanda de colores! ¿Dónde la compraste?How beautiful that colorful scarf is! Where did you buy it?
- Esta bufanda es muy suave.This scarf is very soft.
- ¿Dónde dejaste mi bufanda azul?Where did you leave my blue scarf?
- Necesito una bufanda para el frío.I need a scarf for the cold.
Example conversation
María and Javier are getting ready to go outside in the winter.
- MaríaTengo frío, ¿tienes una bufanda?I'm cold, do you have a scarf?
- JavierSí, usa esta bufanda roja.Yes, use this red scarf.
- MaríaGracias, es muy bonita.Thank you, it is very pretty.
- JavierDe nada, María.You're welcome, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bufanda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bufanda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
