aguja
/aˈɡuxa/feminine
The Spanish word for needle is aguja. Wiktionary also lists yawri and yauri.
Meaning: implement for sewing etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| aguja | /aˈɡuxa/ | feminine |
| yawri | Bolivia, masculine | |
| yauri | /ʝauɾi/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine |
The term aguja refers to an implement used for sewing and similar tasks. In a formal medical context, you may encounter the term hipodérmica to specifically describe a hypodermic needle.
Which one should you use?
yawri and yauri are specific to certain regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bolivia, the terms yawri and yauri are used to mean needle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun aguja is feminine, which is why it is used with the feminine article la (e.g., la aguja). The form yawri is masculine and the form yauri can be either feminine or masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈɡuxa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word aguja is also used to describe the hands of a clock. When a clock is 'fast' or 'slow', a speaker is referring to the position of the agujas.
- The terms yawri and yauri used in Bolivia are derived from Quechua, the language of the Inca Empire. This reflects the deep indigenous linguistic influence on Spanish in the Andes.
- A sharp, narrow peak of a mountain or a rock formation is often called una aguja in Spanish. This is common in geographical descriptions of jagged mountain ranges.
Examples in context
- ¿Tienes una aguja de coser?Do you have a sewing needle?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses a sewing needle.Tatoeba #2744259 by marcelostockle, translation #489229 by FeuDRenais
- Ella cose con aguja e hilo.She sews with a needle and thread.This sentence is useful for describing someone sewing with a needle and thread.Tatoeba #5908813 by albrusgher, translation #314479 by CM
- Deja que te enhebre la aguja.Let me thread the needle for you.This sentence is useful for offering to thread a needle.Tatoeba #6874918 by arh, translation #6874307 by CK
- Necesito una aguja para coser los botones en mi camisa nueva.I need a needle to sew the buttons on my new shirt.
- El médico me puso una aguja para extraer sangre.The doctor inserted a needle to draw blood.
- El doctor utilizó una jeringa hipodérmica para administrar la medicación.The doctor used a hypodermic needle to administer the medication.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía is trying to fix a hole in her shirt.
- LucíaMateo, ¿puedes buscar una aguja?Mateo, can you look for a needle?
- MateoSí, la tengo aquí en la mesa.Yes, I have it here on the table.
- LucíaGracias, es una aguja muy fina.Thanks, it is a very fine needle.
- MateoDe nada, espero que te sirva.You're welcome, I hope it helps you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “needle” translations and entries aguja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
