soga
/ˈsoɡa/feminine
The English word "rope" is translated into Spanish as soga. Wiktionary also lists maroma and toa.
Meaning: thick, strong string (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| soga | /ˈsoɡa/ | feminine |
| maroma | /maˈɾoma/ | feminine |
| toa | /toa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| hico | /ˈiko/ | masculine |
| lía | /lia/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
All the terms provided refer to a thick, strong string. In more specialized contexts, you may use la cuerda de saltar for a jump rope, la cuerda de rescate for a rescue rope, la cuerda floja for a tightrope or la escalera de cuerda for a rope ladder.
Which one should you use?
While soga is the general term for a rope, maroma often refers specifically to thicker, heavier-duty ropes or nautical ropes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some Central American countries, maroma is used to describe a thick rope or a hawser. In the Canary Islands and parts of Latin America, specifically Mexico and Cuba, the term pita is used to refer to a specific type of rope made from certain fibers.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of soga is /ˈsoɡa/.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word maroma is used in a common idiom to describe a 'trick' or a 'stunt'.
- The term hico is a direct linguistic legacy of the Taíno people of the Caribbean, who used it to describe the ropes used for hammocks.
- Spanish uses the word cuerda for a musical string and soga for a heavy rope, though both translate to 'rope' or 'string' in English.
Examples in context
- Quiero un cuchillo para cortar la soga.I want a knife with which to cut the rope.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use soga with a knife.Tatoeba #1941568 by hayastan, translation #29432 by trieuho
- No necesito una soga para hacer este trabajo.I don't need a rope to do this job.This sentence is useful for expressing the lack of need for a soga.Tatoeba #1941586 by hayastan, translation #1782729 by Amastan
- La soga no era lo suficientemente fuerte para soportarlo.The rope wasn't strong enough to support him.This sentence is useful for describing the strength of a soga.Tatoeba #1941570 by hayastan, translation #49699 by CK
- Por favor, pásame la cuerda para atar el paquete.Please hand me the rope to tie the package.
- Aseguren el cable con firmeza antes de bajar.Secure the rope firmly before descending.
- Necesito una soga para amarrar los sacos.I need a rope to tie up the sacks.
- Compra una pita resistente para sujetar las plantas trepadoras.Buy a strong rope to support the climbing plants.
- La maroma es indispensable para el trabajo en la construcción.The rope is essential for construction work.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are securing a load in a truck.
- MateoMaría, ¿dónde está la soga?María, where is the rope?
- MaríaEstá en la caja de herramientas, Mateo.It is in the toolbox, Mateo.
- MateoEsta soga es muy corta.This rope is too short.
- MaríaBusca otra soga más larga.Look for another longer rope.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rope” translations and entries soga, maroma, toa, hico, lía, 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 hico, maroma, soga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
