ganchillear
/ɡant͡ʃiʝeaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'crochet' can be translated into Spanish as ganchillear. If unsure, use ganchillear. Wiktionary also lists crochetear.
Meaning: to make needlework using a hooked needle (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ganchillear | /ɡant͡ʃiʝeaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| crochetear | /kɾot͡ʃeteaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
The verbs used to describe the act of making needlework with a hooked needle are ganchillear and crochetear. You can also express this activity using the common phrase hacer ganchillo.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb ganchillear is derived from the noun ganchillo, which literally means 'small hook'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, the term croché is used to refer to the craft of crochet.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡantʃiʝeaɾ/
Did you know?
- In the Southern Cone, the word croché is a direct loan from French, reflecting the historical influence of French fashion and textiles in Argentina and Uruguay.
- The word ganchillear shares a root with gancho, which means 'hook' and is also used to describe a 'catch' or a 'trick' in colloquial Spanish.
- The verb crochetear is an anglicism or gallicism that is more prevalent in Caribbean Spanish and among people who learn the craft via international patterns.
Examples in context
- Me encanta el ganchillo. Es una actividad relajante y creativa.I love crochet. It's a relaxing and creative activity.
- Esta tarde voy a tejer un hermoso suéter de ganchillo.This afternoon, I'm going to crochet a beautiful sweater.
- Mi abuela me enseñó a hacer ganchillo cuando era pequeña.My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was little.
- Crochear es una actividad relajante y creativa que me ayuda a despejar la mente.Crocheting is a relaxing and creative activity that helps me clear my mind.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a new hobby.
- MateoSofía, ¿qué haces con ese hilo?Sofía, what are you doing with that yarn?
- SofíaVoy a ganchillear un gorro para el invierno.I am going to crochet a hat for the winter.
- MateoSe ve difícil, ¿me enseñas?It looks difficult, will you teach me?
- SofíaClaro, Mateo, es muy relajante.Of course, Mateo, it is very relaxing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crochet” translations, 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.
