cordón
/koɾˈdon/masculine
The English word 'drawstring' is translated into Spanish as cordón. Wiktionary also lists mecate and cordel.
Meaning: type of string (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cordón | /koɾˈdon/ | masculine |
| mecate | /meˈkate/ | masculine |
| cordel | /koɾˈdel/ | masculine |
| piola | /ˈpjola/ | feminine |
| estringa | /estɾinɡa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| agujeta | /aɡuˈxeta/ | feminine |
The term cordón is the most common and versatile way to refer to a drawstring, whether it is used for clothing, shoes or bags. You can also use the phrase cordón de amarre to specifically mean a 'fastening cord'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the default term cordón is cordones.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾˈdon/
Did you know?
- In Argentina and Uruguay, the word piola is used in the slang 'Lunfardo' to mean 'clever' or 'smart', but it is actually a 'vesre' or reversed version of the word 'limpio', which means 'clean'.
- The term piola has a surprising history as it is derived from the Latin word pediola, which originally referred to a 'shackle' used to restrain someone.
- While cordón is the standard term, in Mexico you might hear the word mecate, which actually comes from the Nahuatl word mecatl.
Examples in context
- Estos pantalones tienen un cordón ajustable en la cintura.These pants have an adjustable drawstring at the waist.
- Me gusta esta mochila con cordel.I like this backpack with a drawstring.
- Necesito reemplazar el cordón de ajuste de mis zapatos.I need to replace the drawstring of my shoes.
- El cordón de la sudadera es muy largo.The hoodie drawstring is very long.
- Necesito un cordón para cerrar la bolsa.I need a drawstring to close the bag.
- El cordón blanco se rompió.The white drawstring broke.
Example conversation
Daniel is trying to fix his gym shorts in the living room.
- Elena¿Qué te pasa, Daniel?What's wrong, Daniel?
- DanielSe rompió el cordón de mis pantalones.The drawstring on my pants broke.
- ElenaPuedo buscarte un cordón nuevo.I can look for a new drawstring for you.
- DanielGracias, Elena, me ayudaría mucho.Thanks, Elena, that would help me a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drawstring” translations and entries cordón, mecate, cordel, piola, agujeta, 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 cordel, cordón, mecate, piola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
