nudo
/ˈnudo/masculine
The English word 'knot' is translated into Spanish as nudo. Wiktionary also lists ñudo.
Meaning: looping (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nudo | /ˈnudo/ | masculine |
| ñudo | /ˈɲudo/ | masculine |
The noun nudo refers to a loop or a fastening, such as un nudo en la cuerda (a knot in the rope). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a knot in the stomach, un nudo en el estómago or a difficult point in a plot.
Which one should you use?
The form ñudo is not a valid word in Spanish.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To undo a knot, use the verb desatar. If you are referring to untangling a mess of strings or hair rather than undoing a specific knot, use the verb desenredar instead. Related verbs for the action of forming a knot include anudar and añudar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnudo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ñudo. It is a common misspelling or mispronunciation and is not a valid word in Spanish.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, nudo is used to describe the 'climax' or the turning point of a story's plot. This usage transforms a physical knot into a literary term for the point where the conflict tightens.
- The English word 'noose' is actually a distant relative of the Spanish nudo, as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to bind'.
- In Spanish, the word nudo can also refer to a 'knot' in a piece of wood or a bump on a tree, showing its versatility in describing textured surfaces.
Examples in context
- Debes apretar el nudo.You must tighten the knot.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say you must tighten the nudo.Tatoeba #3876792 by SrTortuga, translation #3823218 by CK
- ¿Puede desatar este nudo?Can you untie this knot?This sentence is useful for asking if someone can untie a nudo.Tatoeba #7956508 by Seael, translation #2751089 by sharptoothed
- No puedo desatar este nudo.I can't untie this knot.This sentence is useful for saying you are unable to untie a nudo.Tatoeba #6634477 by UsuarioX, translation #2266912 by _undertoad
- Cuando intentaba desatar el nudo de la cuerda, me di cuenta de que estaba demasiado apretado.When I tried to untie the knot in the rope, I realized it was too tight.
- ¡Qué lío! No puedo creer que haya logrado hacer un nudo tan enredado en mi pelo.What a mess! I can't believe I managed to make such a tangled knot in my hair.
- Este collar tiene un lazo muy elegante al final.This necklace has a very elegant bow at the end.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is showing María a new fishing knot.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿qué tipo de nudo es ese?Daniel, what kind of knot is that?
- DanielEs un nudo muy fuerte para la pesca.It is a very strong knot for fishing.
- MaríaParece un nudo difícil de hacer.It looks like a difficult knot to make.
- DanielTe enseñaré cómo hacer este nudo.I will teach you how to make this knot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knot” translations and entries nudo, ñudo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nudo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
