alfiler
/alfiˈleɾ/masculine
The English word 'pin' is translated into Spanish as alfiler. Wiktionary also lists aguja.
Meaning: needle without an eye, used for fastening (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alfiler | /alfiˈleɾ/ | masculine |
| aguja | /aˈɡuxa/ | feminine |
Use alfiler to refer to a pin that lacks an eye, typically used for fastening things. If you are referring to a sewing needle, you would use aguja.
Which one should you use?
Use alfiler specifically for a pin that lacks an eye for thread. In contrast, aguja refers to a sewing needle.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
alfiler is a masculine noun, and its plural form is alfileres. aguja is a feminine noun, and its plural form is agujas.
How do you pronounce it?
/alfiˈleɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the 'hand' of a clock is called an aguja, meaning it is envisioned as a needle rather than a hand.
- The Spanish word alfiler traces its roots back to Andalusian Arabic, specifically the word al-ḵilál, which originally meant a peg or a pin.
- A 'pin' in the context of a bowling pin is not an alfiler or an aguja but is called a bolo.
Examples in context
- Tenga cuidado donde clava el alfiler.Be careful where you stick the pin.This sentence shows how to use the word alfiler regarding the action of sticking it.Tatoeba #2264724 by cueyayotl, translation #2264723 by _undertoad
- El alfiler perforó su dedo y se empezó a sangrar.The pin pierced his finger and it began to bleed.This sentence illustrates the effect of an alfiler piercing a finger.Tatoeba #1313770 by marcelostockle, translation #34445 by Swift
- Si el Sol fuera tan grande como una pelota de fútbol, la Tierra correspondería a la cabeza de un alfiler y Júpiter sería tan grande como una canica.If the sun were as big as a soccer ball, the Earth would correspond to the head of a pin, and Jupiter would be as big as a marble.This sentence uses alfiler to describe the head of a pin in a scale comparison.Tatoeba #8365210 by emigonza, translation #10255405 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Mi vestido necesita un alfiler para sujetar el pliegue.My dress needs a pin to hold the fold.
- Necesito un broche para asegurar mi chal.I need a pin to secure my shawl.
- El cartel está colgado en la pared con chinchetas.The poster is hung on the wall with pins.
- Eve usa una aguja para sujetar la tela.Eve uses a pin to hold the fabric.
Example conversation
María is trying to fix a loose garment in the living room.
- MaríaJavier, ¿tienes un alfiler?Javier, do you have a pin?
- JavierNo, pero puedo buscar uno en el costurero.No, but I can look for one in the sewing kit.
- MaríaGracias, es para arreglar este dobladillo.Thanks, it is to fix this hem.
- JavierYa voy con el alfiler, María.I'm coming with the pin, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pin” translations and entries alfiler, aguja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguja, alfiler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
