costumbre
/kosˈtumbɾe/
The English word 'custom' is translated into Spanish as costumbre.
costumbre refers to a long-established practice. It can describe a social custom or a personal habit.
Meaning: long-established practice (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of costumbre is costumbres. In Spain, the phrase tener por costumbre is a common way to say 'to have the custom of'.
How do you pronounce it?
/kosˈtumbɾe/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse costumbre (custom or habit) with aduana, which refers to customs in the sense of border control.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word costumbre is a cognate of the English word 'costume'. While 'costume' now refers to clothing, it originally meant a custom or a set of established rules.
- In legal contexts, Spanish speakers may refer to derecho consuetudinario, which translates to 'customary law'. This refers to laws that are not written down but are established through long-standing social practice.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, costumbres are often tied to 'festividades' or local patron saint festivals. These are not just historical facts but living, breathing communal traditions that dictate the rhythm of many towns.
Examples in context
- Es una vieja costumbre.It's an old custom.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe an old custom using costumbre.Tatoeba #5870924 by albrusgher, translation #4016537 by CK
- Me gusta esta costumbre.I like this custom.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference regarding a custom using costumbre.Tatoeba #5870920 by albrusgher, translation #4500033 by CK
- Seguimos una vieja costumbre.We follow an old custom.This sentence is useful for describing the act of following an old custom using costumbre.Tatoeba #2185186 by marcelostockle, translation #10255429 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Es una costumbre saludar a todos al entrar en una casa.It is customary to greet everyone when entering a house.
- La tradición de regalar dulces en Navidad es muy común en España.The tradition of giving sweets at Christmas is very common in Spain.
- No puedo creer que sea tu costumbre comer chocolate antes de dormir.I can't believe it's your custom to eat chocolate before sleeping.
- Es un hábito tomar café todas las mañanas.It's a habit to drink coffee every morning.
- Tienen por costumbre tomar una siesta después del almuerzo.They have the custom of taking a nap after lunch.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking about holiday traditions.
- AlejandroTengo una costumbre muy especial en Navidad.I have a very special custom at Christmas.
- Elena¿Cuál es esa costumbre, Alejandro?What is that custom, Alejandro?
- AlejandroCenamos siempre con toda mi familia.We always have dinner with my whole family.
- ElenaQué bonita costumbre tienes.What a beautiful custom you have.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry costumbre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries costumbre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
