Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hierro varilla | /jero baɾiʝa/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| hierro cabilla | /jero kabiʝa/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| fierro corrugado | /fjero koruɡado/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| fierro constructivo | /fjero konstɾuɡtibo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| cabilla | /kaˈbiʝa/ | Latin America, feminine |
This term refers to the steel reinforcing bars used within concrete in construction projects.
Which one should you use?
While hierro varilla is a common way to describe the material, other terms focus on specific characteristics or contexts. For instance, fierro corrugado specifically highlights the ribbed or corrugated texture of the metal and cabilla is a more direct noun used for the bar itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions in Latin America use different terms. In several countries, such as Venezuela, cabilla is a common term. In many Latin American countries, fierro corrugado is frequently used to specify the ribbed texture of the rebar. Additionally, in some Latin American countries, the term hierro de construcción is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The various forms provided are mostly masculine, such as hierro varilla, hierro cabilla, fierro corrugado and fierro constructivo. However, cabilla is a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- The term cabilla is a doublet of clavícula, the Spanish word for 'collarbone'. Both words are descendants of the Latin 'clāvicula', which meant a 'small key' or 'pin'.
- Depending on the country, a worker might call rebar cabilla or fierro corrugado. Using the wrong term can immediately signal which region of Latin America the speaker is from.
Examples in context
- Para la estructura de concreto, necesitamos barras de refuerzo de alta resistencia.For the concrete structure, we need high-strength reinforcement bars.
- Voy a comprar unas varillas para reforzar el cimiento de mi casa.I'm going to buy some rebar to reinforce the foundation of my house.
- Necesitamos más acero corrugado para terminar la construcción del muro.We need more rebar to finish building the wall.
- Encontré a buen precio el hierro de construcción que necesitamos para la obra.I found the rebar we need for the construction at a good price.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing materials for a home renovation.
- Sofía¿Ya llegaron los materiales para el patio, Alejandro?Did the materials for the patio arrive yet, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, pero falta el hierro varilla para el piso.Yes, but the rebar for the floor is missing.
- SofíaVoy a llamar al proveedor ahora mismo.I will call the supplier right now.
- AlejandroGracias, Sofía, necesitamos el hierro varilla mañana.Thanks, Sofía, we need the rebar tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rebar” translations and entries cabilla, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cabilla, fierro, hierro, varilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
