cremallera
/kɾemaʝeɾa/from spelling rules
The English word "zipper" is cremallera in Spanish.
A zipper is a device used for fastening two edges of fabric together. To say "to zip up" a garment, use the verb phrase subir la cremallera, which literally means "to raise the zipper". Conversely, to say "to unzip" a garment, use bajar la cremallera, meaning "to lower the zipper".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, cremallera is the standard term and the specific phrase cremallera metálica is used to refer to a metal zipper. In many parts of Latin America, the word cierre is used instead of cremallera. Additionally, in parts of Latin America such as Mexico, the word broche may be used to refer to a zipper.
How does it change in a sentence?
Cremallera is a feminine noun, so any accompanying adjectives must also be feminine, such as la cremallera dorada.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾemaʝeɾa/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word cremallera is borrowed from the French word crémaillère, which originally referred to a jagged iron rack used to hold a cooking pot over a fire.
- In Mexico, the word broche is sometimes used for a zipper, but it more typically refers to a snap fastener or a brooch jewelry piece.
- The term cierre can also refer to a 'deadline' or the 'end' of a period in some Latin American contexts, moving far away from the concept of fabric.
Examples in context
- La cremallera está atascada.The zipper is stuck.This sentence is useful for describing a stuck cremallera.Tatoeba #1854431 by Shishir, translation #1848936 by Spamster
- La cremallera no se quiere abrir.The zipper won't open.This sentence is useful for describing a cremallera that will not open.Tatoeba #1367707 by Shishir, translation #5633803 by tabular
- ¿Me puedes ayudar a arreglar la cremallera de mi chaqueta?Can you help me fix the zipper on my jacket?
- El cierre de mi bolso se rompióThe zipper on my bag broke.
- El pantalón se me trabó la cremayeraThe zipper on my pants got stuck.
- ¡Mira, este cierrecito es muy resistente!Look, this little zipper is very resistant!
- La chaqueta tiene una cremallera metálica muy resistenteThe jacket has a very resistant metal zipper.
- Se rompió la cremallera de mi chaqueta.The zipper on my jacket broke.
Example conversation
Daniel is getting ready to go outside in the cold.
- Daniel¿Puedes ayudarme con la cremallera, Lucía?Can you help me with the zipper, Lucía?
- LucíaClaro, parece que está un poco dura.Of course, it seems a bit stiff.
- DanielGracias, ya no tengo frío.Thanks, I am not cold anymore.
- LucíaDe nada, Daniel. ¡Vamos!You're welcome, Daniel. Let's go!
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.
