cuentas para collar
/kwentas paɾa koʝaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'necklace beads' is translated into Spanish as cuentas para collar.
The phrase refers to small decorative objects with holes that are strung together to make a necklace. For more specific contexts, you might use mostacillas if you are referring specifically to very small seed beads used for intricate jewelry making or abalorios if you wish to refer to beads as small decorative items or trinkets.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cuentas (beads), para (for) and collar (necklace).
Which one should you use?
While cuentas para collar is the general term, mostacillas is used for seed-sized beads and abalorios can be used as a synonym for beads, often implying small decorative items or trinkets.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of South America, such as Argentina or Uruguay, you may hear the phrase Bolitas de collar used to mean necklace beads.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to beads intended for multiple necklaces, you can change collar to its plural form collares, resulting in cuentas para collares.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word cuentas for beads is the same word used for 'accounts' or 'stories'. This is because both concepts share a root related to the act of counting or keeping a record.
- The word collar lacks the 'ue' diphthong common in Spanish, suggesting it was likely borrowed from the Catalan word collar.
- The term cuentas is also used for prayer beads, such as those found on a rosary. In this context, the phrase describes a spiritual tool for meditation rather than a piece of fashion jewelry.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría comprar cuentas de collar para hacer una joyaI would like to buy necklace beads to make some jewelry
- Ayer encontré unos abalorios de collar preciosos en la tienda de antigüedadesYesterday, I found some beautiful necklace beads at the antique store
- cuentas de collar coloridasColorful necklace beads
- cuentas de collar grandesBig necklace beads
- cuentas de collar pequeñasSmall necklace beads
- cuentas de collar de vidrioGlass necklace beads
- Compré muchas cuentas para collar en la tienda.I bought many necklace beads at the store.
- Necesito cuentas para collar de color azul.I need blue necklace beads.
- Las cuentas para collar son muy pequeñas.The necklace beads are very small.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are at a craft store.
- María¿Viste las cuentas para collar de cristal?Did you see the crystal necklace beads?
- DanielNo, María, ¿están en este pasillo?No, María, are they in this aisle?
- MaríaSí, busca las cuentas para collar ahí.Yes, look for the necklace beads there.
- DanielLas encontré, son muy bonitas.I found them, they are very pretty.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries collar, para, CC BY-SA 4.0.
