güiro
/ˈɡwiɾo/masculine
The English phrase "guiro" translates to the Spanish güiro.
A güiro is a musical instrument made of a hollow gourd with parallel notches cut into one side.
Meaning: musical instrument made of a hollow gourd with parallel notches cut in one side (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Puerto Rico, the guiro is referred to as guayo.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, it is preceded by the masculine article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡwiɾo/
Did you know?
- The word güiro is a linguistic survivor from the Taíno people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean.
- The Spanish word güiro uses the 'ü' with a diaeresis to indicate that the 'u' must be pronounced, rather than being silent like in the word guitarra.
- Traditional versions of the güiro are made from dried gourds, but modern professional versions are often made from synthetic materials like heavy plastic.
Examples in context
- El güiro es esencial para la salsa.The güiro is essential for salsa.
- Necesito comprar un güiro nuevo.I need to buy a new güiro.
- Ella toca el güiro con mucha energía.She plays the güiro with a lot of energy.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are preparing for a musical rehearsal.
- Javier¿Tienes el güiro para la práctica?Do you have the güiro for the practice?
- LucíaSí, lo tengo en mi mochila.Yes, I have it in my backpack.
- JavierPerfecto, suena muy bien ese güiro.Perfect, that güiro sounds very good.
- LucíaGracias, es mi instrumento favorito.Thanks, it is my favorite instrument.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guiro” translations and entries güiro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries güiro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
