tejer
/teˈxeɾ/
The English verb weave is translated into Spanish as tejer. If unsure, use tejer. Wiktionary also lists entretejer.
Meaning: to form something by passing strands of material over and under one another (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tejer | /teˈxeɾ/ |
| entretejer | /entɾeteˈxeɾ/ |
The verb tejer is used for both weaving fabric and knitting with needles. It can also be used metaphorically to describe spinning a web or weaving a complex plot/network, such as in the phrase tejer una red.
Which one should you use?
While tejer means to weave a whole object, entretejer specifically refers to the act of interweaving or interlacing strands together.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/teˈxeɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb tejer is a distant relative of the English word 'text'. Both originate from the Latin texere, because a written 'text' was originally conceived as a woven fabric of words.
- In Spanish, you can say tejer una trama to mean 'to weave a plot'. This uses the same word for a fabric's 'weft' as it does for a story's 'plot'.
- While tejer covers many types of weaving, Spanish uses tricotar specifically for knitting with needles. Using tejer for knitting is common, but tricotar is more precise.
Examples in context
- Ella sabe tejer muy bien.She knows how to weave very well.
- Mi abuela prefiere tejer con lana.My grandmother prefers to weave with wool.
- ¿Quieres tejer una bufanda para el invierno?Do you want to weave a scarf for the winter?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking about a new hobby at home.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿quieres aprender a tejer conmigo?Daniel, do you want to learn to weave with me?
- DanielNo sé tejer, Elena, es muy difícil.I don't know how to weave, Elena, it is very difficult.
- ElenaEs fácil si usamos estas agujas.It is easy if we use these needles.
- DanielEstá bien, intentaré tejer algo pequeño.Alright, I will try to weave something small.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weave” translations and entries tejer, entretejer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries entretejer, tejer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
