coser
/koˈseɾ/
The English phrase "sew" is translated into Spanish as coser.
coser is a transitive verb meaning to use a needle.
Meaning: (transitive) use a needle (verb)
Which one should you use?
In formal contexts, the verb confeccionar may be used to refer specifically to the act of sewing garments.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈseɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse coser (to sew) with cocer (to cook or boil). These two words sound nearly identical in many dialects, which often leads to errors.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish dialects, coser and cocer are homophones, meaning they sound exactly the same. This creates a common linguistic joke where people 'sew' their food or 'boil' their clothes.
- The Spanish word coser is a distant relative of the English word 'couture'. Both words share a common ancestor in the Latin word suō meaning 'to sew'.
- While coser is the standard verb for the action, Spanish speakers often use remendar when they specifically mean to sew or mend a hole in clothing.
Examples in context
- Bruno aprendió a coser.Bruno learnt how to sew.This sentence demonstrates the use of coser regarding learning a skill.Tatoeba #11681240 by Seael, translation #11681233 by Amastan
- Ella sabe coser muy bien.She can sew very well.This sentence shows the ability to use coser well.Tatoeba #1656985 by marcelostockle, translation #313794 by CK
- A mi abuela le gusta coser.My grandmother likes to sew.This sentence expresses a person's liking for coser.Tatoeba #13874227 by Seael, translation #8229166 by meshbags
- Por favor, ¿puede coser este botón en mi camisa?Please, can you sew this button on my shirt?
- Necesito confeccionar una falda para la ocasión especial.I need to sew a skirt for the special occasion.
- ¿Sabes coser un botón?Do you know how to sew a button?
- Mi abuelo sabe zurcir calcetines como nadie.My grandfather knows how to mend socks like no one else.
- Voy a coser un vestido nuevo para mi hermanaI'm going to sew a new dress for my sister
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María is asking Javier for help with a torn shirt.
- MaríaJavier, ¿puedes coser este botón?Javier, can you sew this button?
- JavierSí, pero no tengo hilo ahora.Yes, but I don't have thread right now.
- MaríaTengo uno rojo para coser la camisa.I have a red one to sew the shirt.
- JavierEstá bien, dámelo y yo lo hago.That's fine, give it to me and I'll do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sew” translations and entries coser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
