esmoquin
/esˈmokin/masculine
The English phrase tuxedo is translated into Spanish as esmoquin. It is also spelled smoking.
Meaning: formal suit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| esmoquin | /esˈmokin/ | masculine |
| smoking | /esˈmokin/ /ˈsmokin/ |
masculine, alternative form |
The word esmoquin refers to a formal suit. For even more specific reference to a formal suit worn for special occasions, one might use traje de etiqueta.
Which one should you use?
smoking is an alternative spelling of esmoquin.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the word frac is commonly used instead of esmoquin to refer to a tailcoat-style tuxedo.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both esmoquin and smoking are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈmokin/
Did you know?
- The word esmoquin is a pseudo-anglicism. It was borrowed from French, which had previously borrowed and modified a shortened version of the English term 'smoking jacket'.
- While esmoquin describes the suit, the term traje de etiqueta literally translates to 'label suit' or 'etiquette suit'. It refers to the strictest codes of formal dress.
- In some Spanish dialects, the term gala is used as a shorthand for the entire outfit. Instead of saying they are wearing an esmoquin, a person might say they are 'de gala'.
Examples in context
- Nunca me he puesto un esmoquin.I've never worn a tuxedo.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have never worn an esmoquin.Tatoeba #639725 by Shishir, translation #639402 by darinmex
- Todos nos reímos de su esmoquin rosa.We all laughed at his pink tuxedo.This sentence is useful for describing a reaction to a pink esmoquin.Tatoeba #2380490 by Shishir, translation #285403 by CK
- Tom usó un esmoquin.Tom wore a tuxedo.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom wore an esmoquin.Tatoeba #8297470 by GuidoW, translation #8268125 by Hybrid
- En la boda lucía un esmoquin negro y elegante.At the wedding he was wearing a black and elegant tuxedo.
- Fue un evento muy elegante, todos los caballeros lucían trajes de etiqueta.It was a very elegant event, all the gentlemen were wearing formal suits.
- El cantante se presentó con un frac blanco en el concierto.The singer appeared in a white tailcoat at the concert.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are getting ready for a gala.
- DanielElena, ¿crees que debo llevar un esmoquin?Elena, do you think I should wear a tuxedo?
- ElenaSí, es el código de vestimenta.Yes, it is the dress code.
- DanielPero mi esmoquin ya no me queda.But my tuxedo doesn't fit me anymore.
- ElenaPuedes alquilar uno hoy mismo.You can rent one today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tuxedo” translations and entries esmoquin, smoking, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esmoquin, smoking, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
