almohadilla
/almoaˈdiʝa/Spain, feminine
The English word 'hash' (the # symbol) is translated into Spanish as almohadilla. Wiktionary also lists gato and libra.
Meaning: the # symbol (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| almohadilla | /almoaˈdiʝa/ | Spain, feminine |
| gato | /ˈɡato/ | Chile, Mexico, masculine |
| libra | /ˈlibɾa/ | Puerto Rico, feminine |
Which one should you use?
While almohadilla is the standard term in Spain, gato and libra are common regional alternatives in Latin America.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Chile, the word for the hash symbol is gato, which literally means 'cat'. In Puerto Rico, the term libra is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
almohadilla is a feminine noun, gato is a masculine noun and libra is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/almoaˈdiʝa/
Did you know?
- In Mexico and Chile, the symbol is called gato, which is also the Spanish name for the game of tic-tac-toe.
- The word almohadilla traces its roots back to the Arabic word for pillow, al-miḵadda.
Examples in context
- Escribe la almohadilla después del número.Write the hash after the number.
- La almohadilla es necesaria para la contraseña.The hash is necessary for the password.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are trying to create a new password on a computer.
- Lucía¿Qué símbolo sigue después de la letra?What symbol follows after the letter?
- MateoTienes que poner la almohadilla.You have to put the hash.
- LucíaAh, vale, ya la he encontrado.Ah, okay, I've found it now.
- MateoPerfecto, ahora la contraseña funcionará.Perfect, now the password will work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hash” translations and entries almohadilla, gato, libra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries almohadilla, gato, libra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
