algodón de azúcar
/alɡoˌdon de aˈθukaɾ/masculine
In Spanish, cotton candy is algodón de azúcar. If unsure, use algodón de azúcar. Wiktionary also lists algodón azucarero and algodón sacarífero.
Meaning: spun sugar confectionery (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| algodón de azúcar | /alɡoˌdon de aˈθukaɾ/ /alɡoˌdon de aˈsukaɾ/ |
masculine |
| algodón azucarero | /alɡodon aθukaɾeɾo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /alɡodon asukaɾeɾo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| algodón sacarífero | /alɡodon sakaɾifeɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| algodón sacarino | /alɡodon sakaɾino/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to the spun sugar confectionery commonly found at fairs and carnivals.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase algodón de azúcar literally translates to 'cotton of sugar'.
Which one should you use?
Algodón de azúcar is the standard, widely understood term. In contrast, algodón azucarero, algodón sacarífero and algodón sacarino are highly technical or archaic and are not used in common speech to refer to the candy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear the term algodón de azúcar or nube de azúcar.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/alɡoˌdon de aˈθukaɾ/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Tom comió demasiado algodón de azúcar.Tom ate too much cotton candy.This sentence shows how to use algodón de azúcar to describe eating the candy.Tatoeba #3300228 by gianich73, translation #1027048 by CK
- Algún día me compraré una máquina de algodón de azúcar.Someday I'll buy a cotton candy machine.This sentence shows how to use algodón de azúcar when talking about a machine that makes it.Tatoeba #7008656 by arh, translation #7003194 by CK
- He oído que acaba de abrir una tienda de algodón de azúcar. Vamos, chicos.I heard a cotton candy shop has just opened. Let's go, dudes.This sentence shows how to use algodón de azúcar when referring to a shop that sells it.Tatoeba #10184496 by manufrutos, translation #5992 by Zifre
- Necesito comprar algo de algodón de azúcar para la fiesta.I need to buy some cotton candy for the party.
- Me encanta el dulce de hilo, ¿podría comprar un poco más?I love cotton candy, could you buy some more?
- Compré algodón de azúcar para disfrutar durante el partido.I bought cotton candy to enjoy during the game.
- Mis hijos siempre piden una nube de azúcar cuando vamos al parque.My kids always ask for cotton candy when we go to the park.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are walking through a local fair.
- JavierSofía, mira ese algodón de azúcar.Sofía, look at that cotton candy.
- Sofía¡Es muy grande, Javier!It's very big, Javier!
- Javier¿Quieres compartir un algodón de azúcar conmigo?Do you want to share a cotton candy with me?
- SofíaSí, me encantaría.Yes, I would love to.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cotton candy” translations and entries algodón de azúcar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries algodón, algodón de azúcar, azucarero, azúcar, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
