sombrero vaquero
/sombɾeɾo bakeɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cowboy hat" is sombrero vaquero in Spanish.
A sombrero vaquero refers specifically to the high-crown, broad-brimmed hat worn by cowboys. While sombrero is a general term for any hat, adding vaquero specifies the western-style design.
Meaning: high crown, broad-brimmed hat, worn by cowboys (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sombrero (hat) and vaquero (cowboy).
Which one should you use?
sombrero is a general term for any hat, whereas sombrero vaquero specifically denotes the western-style hat. You can also use sombrero de vaquero, which uses the preposition de to indicate the type or possession.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Texana is a slang term used in Mexico and many Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural suffix -s, resulting in sombreros vaqueros.
How do you pronounce it?
/sombɾeɾo bakeɾo/
Did you know?
- The word vaquero shares a common linguistic root with the English word 'vaccine', as both originate from the Latin word vacca meaning 'cow'.
- The way a sombrero vaquero is tilted on the head can communicate a variety of social signals, ranging from a gesture of respect to a direct challenge.
- The word sombrero is derived from sombra, meaning 'shade'. Literally, a hat is an object used to create a personal area of shade.
Examples in context
- sombrero de vaqueroCowboy hat
- Él lleva un sombrero vaquero de color café.He is wearing a brown cowboy hat.
- Compré un sombrero vaquero nuevo para la fiesta.I bought a new cowboy hat for the party.
- Ese sombrero vaquero es muy grande.That cowboy hat is very big.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at clothes in a shop.
- Javier¿Te gusta este sombrero vaquero?Do you like this cowboy hat?
- ElenaSí, es muy bonito, Javier.Yes, it is very pretty, Javier.
- JavierCreo que me queda bien.I think it looks good on me.
- ElenaTe queda perfecto.It fits you perfectly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sombrero, vaquero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
