Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chal | /ˈt͡ʃal/ | masculine |
| pañolón | /paɲoˈlon/ | masculine |
| mantón | /manˈton/ | masculine |
| rebozo | /reˈboθo/ /reˈboso/ |
masculine |
| lliclla | /ˈʝiɡʝa/ | feminine |
| llijlla | /ˈʝixʝa/ | feminine, alternative form |
| echarpe | /et͡ʃaɾpe/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| rebociño | /reboθiɲo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /rebosiɲo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
Spanish uses different words for a shawl depending on its size, material and cultural context. While chal is the most generic and widely applicable term, other words describe specific types of garments.
Which one should you use?
chal is a general term for any shawl. pañolón is used to denote a shawl that is significantly larger or more voluminous than a standard pañuelo (handkerchief/scarf). mantón specifically refers to the large, often heavily embroidered silk shawls used in traditional Spanish dress, such as the mantón de Manila. rebozo and lliclla refer to specific traditional garments rather than general items.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Rebozo is typically used in Mexico. In the Andean region, lliclla (also spelled llijlla) refers to the specific traditional Andean shawl worn by indigenous women in the Andes, often made of wool and featuring bright patterns. In certain Latin American countries, people might use chalina instead of chal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms chal, pañolón, mantón, rebozo, echarpe and rebociño are masculine nouns. The forms lliclla and llijlla are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃal/
When do people say it?
Traditional shawls like the mantón or the Andean lliclla are deeply tied to cultural identity and traditional dress in their respective regions.
Did you know?
- The mantón de Manila is called a 'Manila shawl' even though these luxury silk garments actually originated in China.
- The word chal actually traces its roots back to Hindi and Persian, rather than having a Romance origin.
- In Spain, the mantón is an essential accessory for Flamenco dancers and is used as a prop to extend the dancer's movements.
Examples in context
- El chal es de seda.The shawl is made of silk.
- Ella lleva un chal rojo.She is wearing a red shawl.
- Necesito un chal para el frío.I need a shawl for the cold.
Example conversation
Lucía is getting ready for a cold evening outside.
- Daniel¿Tienes un chal para mí, Lucía?Do you have a shawl for me, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, aquí tienes este chal azul.Yes, here is this blue shawl.
- DanielGracias, es muy suave.Thank you, it is very soft.
- LucíaDe nada, Daniel.You're welcome, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shawl” translations and entries chal, pañolón, mantón, rebozo, lliclla, llijlla, 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 chal, mantón, pañolón, rebozo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
