cortacésped
/koɾtaˈθesped/
The English phrase "grass cutter" is translated into Spanish as cortacésped.
cortacésped refers to a machine used for cutting grass to keep a lawn short.
Which one should you use?
cortadora de césped is a common alternative phrase used to describe the same machine.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is cortacéspedes, where the accent mark is maintained on the 'e' of the first part.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾtaˈθesped/
Did you know?
- The word césped is a linguistic relative of the English word 'grass' through the Latin root 'caesaries', which refers to 'hair' or 'tufts'.
- In parts of Latin America, you might hear the term podadora used for a lawn mower. This comes from the verb podar, which usually means 'to prune' or 'to trim' trees rather than just cutting grass.
- While cortacésped is standard, some regions use motoguadaña to refer specifically to a brush cutter or string trimmer. This word refers to a 'scythe' or 'sickle', highlighting the tool's traditional roots.
Examples in context
- El cortador de césped está trabajando en el jardín.The grass cutter is working in the garden.
- El cortacésped es nuevo.The grass cutter is new.
- Necesito comprar un cortacésped.I need to buy a grass cutter.
- ¿Dónde guardas el cortacésped?Where do you keep the grass cutter?
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are in the garden on a Saturday morning.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿puedes usar el cortacésped hoy?Daniel, can you use the grass cutter today?
- DanielSí, el césped está muy alto.Yes, the grass is very high.
- SofíaPerfecto, el cortacésped está en el garaje.Perfect, the grass cutter is in the garage.
- DanielLo iré a buscar ahora.I will go get it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cortacésped, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cortacésped, CC BY-SA 4.0.
