pinzas
neutral, Mexico
In Mexican Spanish "pliers" is usually pinzas. In other countries the word is alicates, and Mexicans know it, but pinzas is more common in hardware stores.
Meaning: gripping hand tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| pinzas | neutral, Mexico |
| alicates | neutral |
People ask for unas pinzas at the hardware store. A specific tool is described, such as pinzas de presión for locking pliers or pinzas de electricista for electrician's pliers.
How does it change in a sentence?
Pinzas is normally used in the plural, even for one tool: unas pinzas.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Pinzas also means tweezers or clothespins, so the setting or an added word tells you which tool is meant.
Did you know?
- Mexican hardware stores are called ferreterías, and that is where you ask for pinzas.
Examples in context
- Necesito unas pinzas de presión.I need locking pliers.
- Cortó el alambre con unos alicates.He cut the wire with pliers.
Example conversation
Don Pepe fixes a fence with his son Rafa in San Luis Potosí.
- Don PepeRafa, pásame las pinzas.Rafa, pass me the pliers.
- Rafa¿Estas, apá?These, dad?
- Don PepeSí, para cortar el alambre.Yes, to cut the wire.
