bucle
/ˈbukle/masculine
In Spanish, the word for loop is bucle. Wiktionary also lists recodo and vuelta.
Meaning: shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bucle | /ˈbukle/ | masculine |
| recodo | /reˈkodo/ | masculine |
| vuelta | /ˈbwelta/ | feminine |
The term refers to a shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the context. Use bucle when referring to a loop in a technical context, such as computer programming or a repetitive cycle. Use recodo to describe a loop or a sharp bend in a river or a road. Use vuelta to describe a loop in the sense of a turn, a lap or a complete circuit.
How does it change in a sentence?
Bucle and recodo are masculine nouns, while vuelta is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbukle/
Did you know?
- While bucle refers to a technical loop in programming, in a fashion context it describes a type of curl in human hair.
- The word bucle is a cognate of the English word 'buckle', as both originate from the Latin word for a small cheek or cheek-piece.
- When describing a narrative loop that returns to its starting point, Spanish speakers often use the phrase cerrar el círculo instead of bucle.
Examples in context
- El primer lenguaje de programación que usé no tenía sentencias de bucle, solo tenía saltos.The first programming language I used didn't have loop statements, only gotos.This sentence shows how to use bucle when discussing programming languages.Tatoeba #10065246 by manufrutos, translation #10064886 by shekitten
- Vamos a ejecutar este ciclo tres veces.Let's run this loop three times.
- Haz un bucle rápido en el código para repetir la acción.Make a quick loop in the code to repeat the action.
- Usa un ciclo sencillo para repetir la canción.Use a simple loop to repeat the song.
- Dale una vueltita al bucle y vuelve al comienzo.Give the loop a little spin and go back to the beginning.
- El diseño tiene un bucle elegante en el centro.The design has an elegant loop in the center.
- Dibujó un bucle pequeño en la esquina del papel.He drew a small loop in the corner of the paper.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing a new decorative pattern for a piece of jewelry.
- María¿Viste el nuevo diseño de la pulsera?Did you see the new design for the bracelet?
- DanielSí, me encanta el detalle del bucle de plata.Yes, I love the silver loop detail.
- MaríaEs un bucle muy sofisticado, ¿verdad?It is a very sophisticated loop, right?
- DanielTotalmente, María, se ve muy profesional.Totally, María, it looks very professional.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “loop” translations and entries bucle, recodo, vuelta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bucle, recodo, vuelta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
