cuña
/ˈkuɲa/feminine
The English word 'wedge' is translated into Spanish as cuña.
cuña is a noun used to refer to a wedge, such as a simple machine used to split objects or a cuña de queso (cheese wedge).
Meaning: simple machine (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cuña is the noun for a physical object, the related verb acuñar is most commonly used in the sense of 'to coin' money or 'to forge' a phrase. If you want to describe the specific action of using a wedge to steady or support an object, such as a wheel or furniture, the verb calzar is often more natural.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
cuña is a feminine noun and is preceded by the feminine article la to mean 'the wedge'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkuɲa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish radio and television, a cuña is the term for a short commercial advertisement. It is called this because it is 'wedged' into the programming.
- The idiom hacer cuña is used in certain Spanish-speaking regions to describe using personal influence or connections to secure a job or a favor.
- The English word 'cuneiform', referring to ancient Sumerian writing, is a distant linguistic relative of the Spanish word cuña.
Examples in context
- Mas doloroso que cualquier cuña.More painful than any wedge.This sentence uses cuña to compare pain to a wedge.Tatoeba #5862164 by albrusgher, translation #738577 by DeSha
- El tornillo, la palanca, la cuña, la polea, etc. se llaman máquinas simples.The screw, the lever, the wedge, the pulley, etc. are called simple machines.This sentence uses cuña to list different types of simple machines.Tatoeba #5862170 by albrusgher, translation #35807 by CM
- Necesito una cuña para calzar la puerta.I need a wedge to prop the door.
- Me gustaría una cuña de queso para la tabla de quesos.I would like a cheese wedge for the cheese board.
- La cuña ayuda a separar los tablones de madera.The wedge helps to separate the wooden planks.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are working in a workshop.
- Elena¿Necesitas la cuña para este trabajo, Alejandro?Do you need the wedge for this job, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, pásame la cuña de metal, por favor.Yes, pass me the metal wedge, please.
- ElenaAquí tienes, ten cuidado con la mano.Here you go, be careful with your hand.
- AlejandroGracias, Elena, ya casi termino.Thanks, Elena, I'm almost finished.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wedge” translations and entries cuña, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuña, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
