cinta
/ˈθinta/feminine
The English word ribbon is translated into Spanish as cinta. Wiktionary also lists moño and lazo.
Meaning: long, narrow strip of material (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cinta | /ˈθinta/ /ˈsinta/ |
feminine |
| moño | /ˈmoɲo/ | masculine |
| lazo | /ˈlaθo/ /ˈlaso/ |
masculine |
The term cinta refers to a long, narrow strip of material used for tying, decoration or as adhesive tape. It is frequently used in compound phrases to specify the material, such as cinta de seda (silk ribbon).
Which one should you use?
While cinta is a general term for a strip of material or tape, other words are used for specific shapes. Use lazo specifically when the ribbon is tied into a bow or refers to the decorative bow itself. Use moño to refer to a large decorative bow or a hair bun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, listón is a commonly used term for ribbon, though cinta is also widely understood.
How does it change in a sentence?
Cinta is a feminine noun. Therefore, its plural form is las cintas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθinta/
Did you know?
- The word lazo actually shares its ancestry with the English word 'lace', but its original Latin root meant a 'noose' or a 'trap'.
- The word cinta is also used in Spanish to describe a recording tape or a film strip, such as in the term cinta de video.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, cinta is the word used for both a fabric ribbon and a roll of adhesive sticky tape.
Examples in context
- Ella usaba una cinta amarilla.She wore a yellow ribbon.This sentence shows the use of cinta to describe a color.Tatoeba #3061982 by hayastan, translation #3057667 by carlosalberto
- La chica llevaba en el pelo un lazo amarillo.The girl wore a yellow ribbon in her hair.This sentence shows the use of lazo to describe a ribbon in the hair.Tatoeba #725655 by Shishir, translation #46633 by CK
- El intendente cortó la cinta con una tijera gigante.The mayor cut the ribbon with a pair of giant scissors.This sentence shows the use of cinta in the context of a ribbon-cutting ceremony.Tatoeba #5045811 by don_ramon, translation #5045803 by Hybrid
- El lazo azul en su vestido le da un toque eleganteThe blue ribbon on her dress adds an elegant touch
- El regalo está envuelto con un hermoso moño rojoThe gift is wrapped with a beautiful red ribbon
- Por favor, ata la cinta alrededor de la cajaPlease tie the ribbon around the box
- ¿Sabes dónde puedo encontrar una cinta dorada?Do you know where I can find a gold ribbon?
- Me gusta cómo la cinta combina con el papel de regaloI like how the ribbon matches the wrapping paper
- Mi hija ganó el premio y lució un lazo en su cabelloMy daughter won the award and wore a ribbon in her hair
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are wrapping a birthday present.
- Sofía¿Tienes la cinta para el paquete?Do you have the ribbon for the package?
- DanielSí, la tengo aquí en la mano.Yes, I have it here in my hand.
- SofíaPerfecto, úsala para decorar la caja.Perfect, use it to decorate the box.
- DanielEstá bien, quedará muy bonita.Okay, it will look very pretty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ribbon” translations and entries cinta, moño, lazo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cinta, lazo, moño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
