barra
/ˈbara/feminine
The English phrase slash refers to the Spanish word barra in a typographical context. Wiktionary also lists barra oblicua and slash.
Meaning: typography: / symbol (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| barra | /ˈbara/ | feminine |
| barra oblicua | /ˌbara oˈblikwa/ | feminine |
| slash | /esˈlaʃ/ | masculine |
| diagonal | /djaɡoˈnal/ | feminine |
In Spanish, barra is the standard term used when referring to the slash (/) symbol. This is especially common when reading URLs or file paths aloud.
Which one should you use?
While barra can refer to any bar or rod, it is the most common way to refer to the slash (/) in technical contexts like URLs. To be more descriptive and specifically distinguish the slash (/) from a horizontal bar (, ) or a vertical bar (|), one might use barra inclinada. The term barra diagonal is used as a more formal or technical name for the symbol.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms provided are barra oblicua (feminine), barra (feminine), slash (masculine) and diagonal (feminine).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbara/
Did you know?
- In a culinary context, a barra is a specific type of long, thin baguette-style bread common in Spain.
- While barra is used for the slash (/) in technical contexts, it also refers to a physical bar of soap or a chocolate bar.
- Spanish speakers often use barra to refer to the counter of a bar or cafe where drinks are served.
Examples in context
- Para dividir la URL, debes colocar una barra entre los directorios.To separate the URL, you should place a slash between the directories.
- Me encanta programar, pero a veces me confundo entre la barra y la barrita invertida.I love programming, but sometimes I get confused between the slash and the backslash.
- Escribe una barra entre las dos palabras.Write a slash between the two words.
- La dirección web tiene una barra.The web address has a slash.
- No olvides poner la barra en la fecha.Don't forget to put the slash in the date.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at a printed URL on a piece of paper.
- Lucía¿Qué símbolo sigue después de la letra 'w'?What symbol follows the letter 'w'?
- JavierTiene una barra después de la 'w'.It has a slash after the 'w'.
- LucíaGracias, Javier. ¿Y después de la barra?Thanks, Javier. And after the slash?
- JavierDespués de la barra viene un número.After the slash comes a number.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slash” translations and entries barra, barra oblicua, slash, diagonal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
