mezclilla
/meθˈkliʝa/feminine
Denim is mezclilla in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists tela tejana.
Meaning: textile with diagonal pattern (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mezclilla | /meθˈkliʝa/ | feminine |
| tela tejana | /tela texana/ (from spelling rules) |
The term refers to the textile with a diagonal pattern. In many Spanish-speaking countries, mezclilla is used as an adjective to describe clothing, such as chaqueta de mezclilla (denim jacket).
What does it mean word for word?
The word mezclilla is derived from the Spanish verb mezclar, which means 'to mix'. This refers to the mixed-color threads used in the weave of the fabric.
Is it said differently in some regions?
mezclilla is the standard way to refer to denim fabric in Mexico. In Spain and Mexico, tela vaquera is also commonly used. tela tejana is another form available for use.
How does it change in a sentence?
mezclilla is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/meθˈkliʝa/
Did you know?
- While mezclilla refers to the fabric, in several Latin American countries, the word for the pants themselves is jeans, often pronounced with a Spanish accent as yins.
- The word mezclilla uses the suffix -illa, which is a diminutive. This means the word literally translates to a 'little mix'.
- In some regions, tejana refers specifically to a wide-brimmed cowboy hat, meaning tela tejana connects the fabric directly to the iconic attire of Texas.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ¿tiene usted alguna prenda con tela de mezclilla?Excuse me, do you have any garments with denim fabric?
- Esta marca es conocida por sus productos con tela vaquera.This brand is known for its products with denim fabric.
- Estoy buscando una chaqueta de mezclilla para el concierto.I'm looking for a denim jacket for the concert.
- La mezclilla es muy resistente.Denim is very resistant.
- Prefiero la mezclilla azul oscuro.I prefer dark blue denim.
- Esa chaqueta es de mezclilla.That jacket is made of denim.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are shopping for clothes in a mall.
- Daniel¿Te gusta esta falda de mezclilla?Do you like this denim skirt?
- MaríaSí, la mezclilla se ve muy suave.Yes, the denim looks very soft.
- DanielA ti te quedaría muy bien.It would look great on you.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel, la voy a comprar.Thanks, Daniel, I'm going to buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “denim” translations and entries mezclilla, 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 mezclilla, tela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
