cortaúñas
/koɾtaˈuɲas/
The English word clippers is translated to Spanish as cortaúñas.
cortaúñas is a noun used to refer to the tool used for clipping.
Meaning: tool for clipping (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, the term Maquinita is used to refer to clippers.
How does it change in a sentence?
Despite the fact that cortaúñas ends in -s, it is typically used as a masculine singular noun, such as el cortaúñas. You can also use the plural form los cortaúñas to refer to the same tool.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾtaˈuɲas/
Did you know?
- If you ask for a maquinita in Colombia, you might be handed a hair clipper instead of the nail clippers you actually wanted.
- While it looks plural because it ends in 's', you can use el cortaúñas to refer to a single tool. This happens because the 's' belongs to the word for 'nails' and not the tool itself.
- Spanish speakers use the same word uñas for both fingernails and toenails. There is no distinct word for 'toe' in the term cortaúñas.
Examples in context
- No encuentro mi cortaúñas.I can't find my fingernail clippers.This sentence is useful for expressing that you cannot find your cortaúñas.Tatoeba #8308825 by arh, translation #8311579 by CK
- Olvidaste el cortaúñas en el cuarto de baño.You forgot the nail clippers in the bathroom.This sentence is useful for noting that someone left their cortaúñas in the bathroom.Tatoeba #10736924 by saverius, translation #11316740 by Luornu
- ¿Usas un cortaúñas para cortarte las uñas de los pies?You use nail clippers to cut your toenails?This sentence is useful for asking if someone uses a cortaúñas to cut their toenails.Tatoeba #2499859 by Shishir, translation #9354832 by DJ_Saidez
- El barbero utiliza una máquina de cortar para recortar el cabello del cliente.The barber uses clippers to trim the client's hair.
- Mi peluquero utiliza un cortapelos de alta precisión.My hairdresser uses a high-precision hair clipper.
- Voy a utilizar la máquina para cortarme el pelo en casa.I'm going to use the clippers to cut my hair at home.
- Necesito una máquina de afeitar nueva, la mía está desgastada.I need a new clipper, mine is worn out.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is searching for a grooming tool in the bedroom.
- JavierSofía, ¿sabes dónde está mi cortaúñas?Sofía, do you know where my nail clippers are?
- SofíaCreo que lo dejaste en la mesa.I think you left them on the table.
- JavierNo lo veo aquí. ¿Lo tienes tú?I don't see them here. Do you have them?
- SofíaAh, sí, el cortaúñas está en mi bolso.Oh, yes, the clippers are in my bag.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cortaúñas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
