jersey
/xeɾˈsei/
The Spanish word for pullover is jersey.
This noun refers to a sweater.
Meaning: sweater (noun)
Which one should you use?
While jersey means a sweater in Spanish, it is a false friend for English speakers. In English, 'jersey' often refers to a sports shirt or a type of fabric, but in Spanish, it refers to the garment (sweater).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word jersey is commonly used to mean a sweater or pullover. In most of Latin America, the word suéter is more common than jersey for a sweater.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeɾˈsei/
Did you know?
- The word jersey originates from the English word for the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands, where a specific type of wool knitting was developed.
- While jersey is standard in Spain, some Latin American countries use chompa for a sweater, a word that sounds more like 'clump' or 'puff' to English speakers.
- In Spain, you might hear someone refer to a rebeca, which is a specific type of cardigan or open-fronted sweater, rather than a standard closed jersey.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuánto cuesta este jersey, por favor?How much is this pullover, please?This sentence is useful for asking about the price of a jersey.Tatoeba #436228 by lukaszpp, translation #436227 by lukaszpp
- Necesito comprar un jersey nuevo.I need to buy a new pullover.
- María llevaba una chaqueta de punto elegante.Maria was wearing an elegant pullover.
- Me gusta mucho tu jersey azul.I really like your blue sweater.
- Necesito un jersey para el invierno.I need a sweater for the winter.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are shopping for clothes in a boutique.
- Lucía¿Te gusta este jersey de lana?Do you like this wool sweater?
- MateoSí, es muy bonito y suave.Yes, it is very pretty and soft.
- LucíaTe queda muy bien, Mateo.It looks great on you, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, Lucía, lo voy a comprar.Thanks, Lucía, I am going to buy it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry jersey, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jersey, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
