hilaza
/iˈlaθa/feminine
The English word yarn can be translated into Spanish as hilaza or estambre.
Meaning: fiber strand for knitting or weaving (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hilaza | /iˈlaθa/ /iˈlasa/ |
feminine |
| estambre | /esˈtambɾe/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
hilaza is typically used to refer to thinner yarn or thread-like strands used in weaving or embroidery. In contrast, estambre is the more common term for thicker yarn used specifically for knitting or crocheting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
While both are standard, estambre is the predominant term for knitting yarn in Mexico and much of Latin America. In Argentina and Uruguay, you may encounter the term ovillo used casually to refer to a ball or skein of yarn.
How does it change in a sentence?
hilaza is a feminine noun and requires feminine articles such as la or una. estambre is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles such as el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/iˈlaθa/
Did you know?
- The word estambre is a linguistic traveler that shares its ancestry with the English word 'stamen', referring to the pollen-bearing part of a flower.
- In Spanish, ovillo refers to the ball of yarn, but the phrase está hecho un ovillo is used to describe someone curled up in a fetal position.
- While hilaza describes the material, Spanish uses the verb hilar to describe the act of spinning yarn, which is also used metaphorically to mean 'spinning a tale'.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar hilo para tejerI need to buy yarn for knitting
- El estambre de alpaca es muy suaveAlpaca yarn is very soft
- Compré lana para hacer un suéterI bought yarn to make a sweater
- Necesito más estambre para terminar mi bufandaI need more yarn to finish my scarf
- Voy a comprar un ovillo de lana para tejer una mantaI'm going to buy a ball of yarn to knit a blanket
- hilo de algodónCotton yarn
- lana sintéticaSynthetic yarn
- Voy a tejer un gorro con hilo de lanaI'm going to knit a hat with wool yarn
- ¿Dónde puedo conseguir estambre de colores?Where can I find colored yarn?
- Prefiero utilizar hilo de seda para este proyectoI prefer using silk yarn for this project
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are at a craft store.
- Javier¿Dónde puedo encontrar la hilaza blanca?Where can I find the white yarn?
- LucíaEstá en el pasillo tres, Javier.It is in aisle three, Javier.
- JavierGracias, Lucía. ¿Crees que esta hilaza sea resistente?Thanks, Lucía. Do you think this yarn is durable?
- LucíaSí, es de muy buena calidad.Yes, it is of very good quality.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yarn” translations and entries hilaza, estambre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estambre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
