chamarra
standard, Mexico
In Mexico a jacket is a chamarra. The word chaqueta is used in other countries, and in Mexico it is not the natural choice. A suit jacket or blazer is called a saco. It is also called Chaleco.
Meaning: outer garment (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| chamarra | standard, Mexico |
| Chaleco | vest |
| Saco | blazer |
Mexicans say ponerse la chamarra and traer chamarra for wearing one, as in Lleva chamarra, que hace frío.
Which one should you use?
Chamarra is the everyday casual jacket, such as a winter or sports jacket. Saco is the matching jacket of a suit, and chaleco is a vest.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain chaqueta is the normal word. In Mexico chaqueta also appears in the vulgar expression hacerse la chaqueta, so most Mexicans avoid it for clothing.
Did you know?
- Toluca sits at about 2,600 meters above sea level, so people there often wear a chamarra even in the daytime.
Examples in context
- Ponte la chamarra, hace frío.Put on your jacket, it is cold.
- Compré una chamarra de cuero.I bought a leather jacket.
- Mi papá usa saco para trabajar.My dad wears a blazer for work.
Example conversation
Mamá tells her son Andrés to dress warmly before school in Toluca.
- MamáAndrés, lleva tu chamarra.Andrés, take your jacket.
- AndrésNo hace tanto frío.It is not that cold.
- MamáEn Toluca siempre hace frío, llévala.In Toluca it is always cold, take it.
