Spanish word

aguja

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈɣuxa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounneedle

Example

Necesito una aguja para coser este botón.

I need a needle to sew this button.

Illustration for aguja (needle)

More examples

¿Dónde está la aguja de la brújula?

Where is the compass needle?

Core concept

Thin pointed metal implement used to thread and stitch fabric.

Common phrases

  • aguja de la brújula

    compass needle

  • buscar aguja en un pajar

    look for a needle in a haystack

Similar words

alfiler: Small sharp metal pin with a head that holds fabric temporarily.
espina: Hard sharp projection on a plant or fish, like a spine or thorn.
púa: Sharp pointed projection or barb that can prick or catch surfaces.
jeringa: Cylindrical medical instrument that draws in or injects liquids.

Definition in Spanish

Instrumento delgado y puntiagudo, generalmente de metal, usado para coser, pinchar o marcar superficies.

Word origin

From Latin acus 'needle' plus diminutive suffix -ula, the word developed through medieval forms into modern aguja.

Usage tips

  • The Spanish letter j in aguja sounds like the English h in 'hat', not like the j in 'jam'.

Other meanings

  • stylusnoun
  • clock handnoun

Related words

  • agujillasmall needlenoun

Word lists with this word