chaleco
/t͡ʃaˈleko/masculine
The Spanish word for jumper is chaleco. Wiktionary also lists chomba.
Meaning: woolen sweater or pullover (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chaleco | /t͡ʃaˈleko/ | masculine |
| chomba | /ˈt͡ʃomba/ | feminine |
A jumper refers to a woolen sweater or pullover. In casual settings, you might use the informal term sudadera to refer to a hoodie or sweatshirt when describing a jumper.
Which one should you use?
While chaleco is the default form for jumper, in many Spanish-speaking regions it specifically refers to a sleeveless vest.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃaˈleko/
Did you know?
- The word chaleco likely traveled from Turkish to Italian and eventually to Spanish, tracing a linguistic path from the Ottoman Empire to the Iberian Peninsula.
- While sudadera is used for hoodies, the word literally translates to 'sweat-shirt' from the verb sudar, meaning 'to sweat'.
- Depending on the region, chomba may refer specifically to a polo shirt rather than a woolen sweater.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría comprarme una sudadera nueva.I would like to buy a new jumper/sweatshirt.
Example conversation
María and Javier are getting ready to go outside.
- MaríaHace frío afuera, Javier.It is cold outside, Javier.
- JavierTienes razón, voy a buscar mi chaleco.You are right, I am going to look for my jumper.
- María¿Quieres que te preste el mío?Do you want me to lend you mine?
- JavierNo gracias, ya encontré mi chaleco.No thanks, I already found my jumper.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jumper” translations and entries chaleco, chomba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chaleco, chomba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
