Learning how to say different words in a foreign language is an exciting journey. If you’re wondering how to say “scissors” in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to say “scissors” in Spanish, along with some useful tips and examples.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Scissors in Spanish
If you’re in a formal setting or simply prefer a more polite approach, you can use the following phrases to refer to “scissors” in Spanish:
- Tijeras: This is the most common and widely used term for “scissors” in Spanish. It is the formal word and is understood in all Spanish-speaking regions. For example, you could say “Necesito unas tijeras” which translates to “I need scissors” in English.
- Tijeras de cortar: This phrase specifies that you are referring to “cutting scissors” in a formal manner. It emphasizes the purpose of the tool. For instance, you could say “Puedes pasarme las tijeras de cortar, por favor?” meaning “Can you pass me the cutting scissors, please?”
- Instrumento para cortar: If you want to be more descriptive and avoid using the word “tijeras,” you can use this phrase which translates to “cutting instrument.” For example, you could say “¿Dónde está el instrumento para cortar?” meaning “Where is the cutting instrument?”
Informal Ways to Say Scissors in Spanish
In a casual or friendly setting, you can choose from the following informal phrases to refer to “scissors” in Spanish:
- Tijeritas: This informal term is derived from “tijeras” and adds a diminutive suffix, making it sound more endearing. It is commonly used among friends or family. For instance, you could say “Pásame las tijeritas, por favor” which would be translated as “Pass me the little scissors, please.”
- Cizalla: Although “cizalla” is primarily used to refer to a lever-type paper cutter, it is also used colloquially to mean “scissors” in some Spanish-speaking areas. It might not be commonly understood by everyone, so use it cautiously. For example, you could ask “¿Tienes una cizalla para cortar papel?” meaning “Do you have a scissors to cut paper?”
Regional Variations
While the above terms are suitable for most Spanish-speaking regions, it’s worth noting that regional variations may exist. Here are a few examples:
Peru: In Peru, the word “forbici” is sometimes used instead of “tijeras.”
Mexico: In some regions of Mexico, “tijeras” can be replaced with “tijeretas.”
Argentina: Argentinians commonly use the term “tijera” (singular) instead of “tijeras” (plural).
Remember, these regional variations are not widely known, so it’s generally best to stick with the more recognized terms to ensure clear communication.
Quick Tips and Examples
To further enhance your understanding of how to say “scissors” in Spanish, here are some quick tips and additional examples:
- Tip 1: When using “tijeras” or “tijeritas,” it is common to omit the pronoun “las” (meaning “the”). For example, saying “Necesito tijeras” or “Pásame tijeritas” is perfectly acceptable.
- Tip 2: Whenever possible, try to use context clues or hand gestures to make yourself understood, especially if you are unsure of the correct term.
- Example 1: ¿Dónde están las tijeras de cortar papel? – Where are the cutting scissors for paper?
- Example 2: ¿Me prestas las tijeritas? Las necesito para un proyecto de manualidades. – Can you lend me the little scissors? I need them for a crafts project.
- Example 3: ¡Cuidado con las tijeras! Están muy afiladas. – Be careful with the scissors! They are very sharp.
Now that you know the formal and informal ways to say “scissors” in Spanish, you can confidently navigate conversations and situations where this word may arise. Remember that language is all about practice, so don’t hesitate to use these phrases in your day-to-day interactions.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
