Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sombrero mexicano | /sombɾeɾo meɡsikano/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| sombrero de charro | /sombɾeɾo de t͡ʃaro/ (from spelling rules) | Mexico, masculine |
While sombrero is the general word for hat, in many Spanish-speaking countries it is used specifically for wide-brimmed hats, whereas a more general hat might be called a gorra (cap) or gorro (beanie).
Which one should you use?
sombrero mexicano is the masculine form, while sombrero de charro is a specific term used in Mexico.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Mexico, the word jipijapa is used instead of sombrero to refer to a certain type of straw hat. In Argentina, the term chupalla may be used to refer to a wide-brimmed hat similar to a sombrero. In Spain, the term montera is sometimes used to refer to specific types of hats, often with religious or ceremonial associations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is created by adding -s to the end, changing the article to the masculine plural los, resulting in los sombreros.
How do you pronounce it?
/sombɾeɾo meɡsikano/
Did you know?
- The term charro, used in sombrero de charro, was originally borrowed from the Basque word txar, which meant 'defective' or 'weak'.
- In traditional Mexican culture, the sombrero de charro is not just clothing but a symbol of national identity and masculinity, often associated with the 'charro' horsemen.
- The sombrero is so central to Mexican imagery that it is frequently used in diplomacy and international gifts to represent the spirit of Mexico.
Examples in context
- Claro, aquí tienes tu sombrerete.Sure, here's your little hat.
- ¿Dónde dejaste mi sombrero?Where did you leave my hat?
- Lo puse encima de la mesa, sombrerito.I put it on the table, little hat.
- Él lleva un sombrero mexicano.He is wearing a Mexican hat.
- El sombrero mexicano es muy grande.The Mexican hat is very large.
- Compré un sombrero mexicano para la fiesta.I bought a Mexican hat for the party.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are looking at souvenirs in a shop.
- Elena¿Te gusta este sombrero mexicano, Javier?Do you like this Mexican hat, Javier?
- JavierSí, es un sombrero muy bonito.Yes, it is a very pretty hat.
- ElenaEs perfecto para tu disfraz.It is perfect for your costume.
- JavierTienes razón, lo voy a comprar.You are right, I am going to buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sombrero” translations, 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 charro, de, mexicano, sombrero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
