imperdible
/impeɾˈdible/masculine
The English phrase 'safety pin' is translated into Spanish as imperdible, seguro, alfiler or gacilla.
Meaning: pin in the form of a clasp (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| imperdible | /impeɾˈdible/ | masculine |
| seguro | /seˈɡuɾo/ | masculine |
| alfiler | /alfiˈleɾ/ | masculine |
| gacilla | /ɡaθiʝa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /ɡasiʝa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
The word imperdible is the most common and standard term for a safety pin across most Spanish-speaking regions.
What does it mean word for word?
The word imperdible is formed from the prefix im- (not) and perdible (losable), literally meaning something that cannot be lost.
Which one should you use?
The term alfiler typically refers to a straight sewing pin without a clasp, whereas imperdible specifically refers to the safety pin mechanism.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the term seguro de ropa might be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Since imperdible is a masculine noun, you use the masculine indefinite article un to say 'a safety pin' (un imperdible).
How do you pronounce it?
/impeɾˈdible/
Did you know?
- While imperdible refers to a safety pin, the adjective imperdible is also used to describe a 'must-see' event or a 'can't-miss' movie.
- The word alfiler entered the Spanish language via Andalusian Arabic, deriving from the Classical Arabic word ḵilāl, meaning 'pin' or 'peg'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, calling a safety pin a seguro might actually sound like you are talking about 'insurance' or a 'lock'.
Examples in context
- Necesito un imperdible para la ropa.I need a safety pin for the clothes.
- El imperdible se rompió ayer.The safety pin broke yesterday.
- Busca un imperdible en el kit de costura.Look for a safety pin in the sewing kit.
Example conversation
Sofía is fixing her dress in the living room.
- Sofía¿Tienes un imperdible, Javier?Do you have a safety pin, Javier?
- JavierSí, lo tengo en mi mochila.Yes, I have it in my backpack.
- SofíaGracias, este imperdible me salvará.Thanks, this safety pin will save me.
- JavierDe nada, Sofía.You're welcome, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “safety pin” translations and entries imperdible, seguro, alfiler, 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 alfiler, seguro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
