cremallera
/kɾemaʝeɾa/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for zip is cremallera.
Meaning: to close as if with a zip fastener (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, cremallera is much more common than the term cierre. In Latin America, cierre is more frequently used than cremallera.
How does it change in a sentence?
Spanish speakers typically use the verb phrase cerrar la cremallera (to close the zip) rather than a single verb. To say 'to zip up' a garment, you can use subir la cremallera, which literally means 'to raise the zip'. To say 'to unzip', you use bajar la cremallera, meaning 'to lower the zip'.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾemaʝeɾa/
Did you know?
- The word cremallera originates from the French word crémaillère, which refers to a fireplace crane or a metal rod used to support cooking pots.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase ponte la cremallera can be used as a playful or stern way to tell someone to stop talking or keep a secret, acting as a verbal gesture of zipping one's lips.
- The word cremallera is a cognate of the English word 'rack', specifically the 'rack and pinion' system used in steering. Both words originate from the shape of a notched bar.
Examples in context
- Ya sabes, si te pregunta Ángel, cremallera.Remember, if Angel asks you about it, zip it.This sentence uses cremallera to suggest keeping a secret.Tatoeba #1371473 by wallebot, translation #10473112 by DJ_Saidez
- María le pidió a Tom que le subiera la cremallera de su vestido.Mary asked Tom to zip up her dress.This sentence uses cremallera in the context of zipping up a dress.Tatoeba #3351249 by marcelostockle, translation #1030085 by CK
- Le llevaré 1000 pesetas por cambiar la cremallera de estos vaqueros.I'll charge you 1000 pesetas to repair the zip on these jeans.This sentence uses cremallera regarding the repair of jeans.Tatoeba #455854 by lukaszpp, translation #455853 by lukaszpp
- Por favor, abrocha la cremallera de tu chaqueta.Please zip up your jacket.
- Asegúrate de cerrar el cierre relámpago del pantalón.Make sure to zip up the pants.
- No te olvides de subir la cremayera del bolso.Don't forget to zip up the bag.
- Cierra el cierre antes de salir.Zip up before you leave.
- No puedo abrochar la cremallera de mi chaqueta.I can't zip up my jacket.
- Por favor, asegúrate de que el cierre del bolso esté completamente cerrado.Please ensure that the bag's zipper is fully closed.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are getting ready to go outside in the cold.
- DanielElena, no puedes cerrar la cremallera de tu abrigo.Elena, you can't close the zip of your coat.
- ElenaEs verdad, se ha quedado atascada.It's true, it has gotten stuck.
- DanielDéjame ayudarte a subir la cremallera.Let me help you zip it up.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel. Ya está listo.Thanks, Daniel. It's ready now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cremallera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
