Spanish word

alfiler

Pronunciation

IPA/alfiˈleɾ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpin

Example

¿Tienes un alfiler?

Do you have a pin?

Illustration for alfiler (pin)

More examples

Me pinché con un alfiler mientras cosía.

I pricked myself with a pin while sewing.

Core concept

Small sharp dressmaker's pin with a colored head.

Common phrases

  • pincharse con un alfiler

    prick oneself with a pin

  • usar un alfiler

    use a pin

  • guardar el alfiler en el alfiletero

    store the pin in the pincushion

Similar words

imperdible: Springy safety pin that locks closed to hold fabric or clothing briefly.
aguja: Sharp hand-sewing needle with an eye for passing thread through fabric.
pasador: Narrow bar-shaped fastener that holds hair or small fabric pieces in place.
broche: Ornamental brooch-style fastener worn on garments for decoration and closure.

Definition in Spanish

Pieza metálica delgada y puntiaguda con una pequeña cabeza, usada sobre todo en costura para fijar telas de manera provisional.

Word origin

Derived via medieval Romance forms such as Portuguese alfinete, a diminutive formation denoting a small needle and linked to Latin acus 'needle'.

Usage tips

  • A short request like ¿Me prestas un alfiler? is a natural way to ask for one, and alfileres are usually found in the sewing aisle rather than hardware.

Related words

  • alfileteropincushionnoun
  • alfilerillosmall pinnoun

Word lists with this word