liga
Mexico, everyday
There is no single word. In Mexico a rubber band is a liga, in Spain it is a goma elástica or just goma, and in Colombia people say caucho.
Meaning: stretchy loop for holding things together (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| liga | Mexico, everyday |
| Goma elástica | Spain |
| Caucho | Colombia |
To ask for one in Mexico you say ¿Tienes una liga? In Spain, ¿Tienes una goma elástica? is clear, though goma alone can also mean an eraser.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico liga also means a league, so context decides. Where you hear caucho, the word is the material rubber, and it is used for the band by extension.
What mistakes should you avoid?
In Spain goma by itself is usually the eraser, so add elástica when you mean the band.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word goma also names gum and glue, which is why Spain adds elástica to be clear.
Examples in context
- ¿Me prestas una liga para el pelo?Can you lend me a rubber band for my hair?
- Sujeta los papeles con una goma elástica.Hold the papers with a rubber band.
- Le puse un caucho al paquete.I put a rubber band on the package.
Example conversation
Ana asks her colleague Pedro for help tying up files in an office in Mexico City.
- AnaPedro, ¿tienes una liga?Pedro, do you have a rubber band?
- PedroSí, en el primer cajón.Yes, in the top drawer.
- AnaGracias, voy a atar estos papeles.Thanks, I am going to tie up these papers.
