Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cuerda | /ˈkweɾda/ | feminine |
| mecate ("cordel" or "cuerda") | masculine | |
| cordel | /koɾˈdel/ | masculine |
| piola | /ˈpjola/ | feminine |
| piolín | /pjoˈlin/ | masculine |
| bramante | /bɾamante/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| pita (a "cordel") | /ˈpita a koɾˈdel/ (word by word) | feminine |
These words refer to a long, thin structure made from twisted threads. While cuerda can specifically mean a thin string, it is also the standard word for a thicker rope.
Which one should you use?
cuerda can refer to both a thin string and a thicker rope, while cordel is typically used for string or twine. The word mecate is used specifically for thick string or twine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, mecate is a colloquial way to refer to thick string or twine. In several South American countries, such as Argentina and Chile, piola is a common colloquial term for string. In Spain, the word cinta is used to refer to a string-like band or ribbon.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
cordel is a masculine noun, whereas cuerda is a feminine noun. The word mecate is masculine, piola is feminine, piolín is masculine, bramante is masculine and pita is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkweɾda/
Did you know?
- The term piola in some contexts comes from Lunfardo, a slang dialect of Buenos Aires, where it is a 'vesre' or reversed version of the word limpio.
- In the world of Spanish slang, particularly in Argentina, the word piola can mean 'string', but it is also used as an adjective to describe something as 'cool' or 'good'.
- The word cuerda is used to describe the 'chord' of a circle in geometry, referring to the straight line connecting two points on the curve.
Examples in context
- Esta cuerda es fuerte.This string is strong.This sentence is useful for describing the strength of a cuerda.Tatoeba #4183399 by Leono, translation #60603 by CK
- Tira de la cuerda y el agua fluye.Pull the string and the water flushes.This sentence is useful for describing an action involving a cuerda.Tatoeba #5405214 by albrusgher, translation #34637 by CN
- A esta guitarra le falta una cuerda.This guitar is missing a string.This sentence is useful for noting a missing cuerda on a musical instrument.Tatoeba #3754672 by hayastan, translation #8354512 by AlanF_US
- ¿Tienes una cuerda?Do you have a piece of string?
- Necesito un hilo.I need a piece of string.
- Mis cordones están desatados,My shoelaces are untied.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are in a garden preparing for a small decoration.
- Mateo¿Tienes una cuerda para colgar esto?Do you have a string to hang this?
- LucíaSí, la cuerda roja está en la mesa.Yes, the red string is on the table.
- MateoGracias, pásame la cuerda, por favor.Thanks, pass me the string, please.
- LucíaAquí tienes, Mateo.Here you go, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “string” translations and entries cuerda, cordel, piola, piolín, bramante, 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.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (pita, a, cordel) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cordel, cuerda, mecate, piola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
