pinza para la ropa
/pinθa paɾa la ɾopa/from spelling rules
The English phrase clothespin is translated into Spanish as pinza para la ropa.
This phrase refers to a spring-loaded clip used to hold clothes to a clothesline so they do not blow away.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pinza (clamp/clip), para (for) and la ropa (the clothes).
How do you pronounce it?
/pinθa paɾa la ɾopa/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word ropa comes from the Gothic word raupa. It is a distant relative of the English word 'robe'.
- In some regions of Latin America, you might hear the word gancho instead of pinza. While gancho usually means 'hanger', it is used for clothespins in certain dialects.
- The word ropa has evolved from meaning specifically 'clothing' to sometimes meaning 'stuff' or 'things' in various informal Spanish idioms.
Examples in context
- Me falta una pinza de ropa para colgar la ropa.I need a clothespin to hang up the laundry.
- Necesito unos prendedores de ropa para colgar la ropa blanca.I need some clothespins to hang up the white clothes.
- Necesito una pinza para la ropa.I need a clothespin.
- La pinza para la ropa se rompió.The clothespin broke.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are hanging laundry in the backyard.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿tienes una pinza para la ropa?Daniel, do you have a clothespin?
- DanielSí, la tengo aquí en la mano.Yes, I have it here in my hand.
- SofíaPerfecto, el viento es muy fuerte hoy.Perfect, the wind is very strong today.
- DanielTen cuidado de no perderla.Be careful not to lose it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, para, pinza, ropa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
