hula-hoop
/ulaoop/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "hula hoop" is translated into Spanish as hula-hoop. Wiktionary also lists hula-hula and hulahúla.
Meaning: toy in the form of a large hoop (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hula-hoop | /ulaoop/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| hula-hula | /ˌula ˈula/ | masculine |
| hulahúla | /ulaˈula/ | masculine |
A hula hoop is a toy consisting of a large hoop. If you need to clarify the meaning of the term, you can use the descriptive phrase el juego con el aro que se usa en la cintura, which means "the game with the hoop used around the waist".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term hula-hula is used to refer to a hula hoop.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms of this word are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ulaoop/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word cintura meaning 'waist' is derived from the Latin word cingulum meaning 'belt'.
- The term hula-hula is a phonetic adaptation of the English phrase, reflecting how Spanish speakers often simplify consonant clusters to fit the natural rhythm of their language.
- In Spanish, the word aro used to describe the hoop also means 'ring' or 'hoop' in a sporting context, such as the basket in basketball.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría comprar un aro de hula para mi clase de educación física.I would like to buy a hula hoop for my physical education class.
- Lo pasamos genial hoy, ¡estuvimos jugando al hula en la playa!We had a great time today, we were playing hula hoop at the beach!
- Compré un hula-hoop para mi sobrina.I bought a hula hoop for my niece.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are playing in the park.
- MateoMira, Sofía, tengo un hula-hoop nuevo.Look, Sofía, I have a new hula hoop.
- Sofía¡Qué divertido! ¿Me lo prestas?How fun! Will you lend it to me?
- MateoSí, ten cuidado al usarlo.Yes, be careful when using it.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo, voy a probarlo ahora.Thanks, Mateo, I'm going to try it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hula hoop” translations and entries hula-hula, hulahúla, 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.
