Spanish word

trenza

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtɾenθa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbraid

Example

María se hizo una trenza antes de salir.

María put her hair into a braid before going out.

Illustration for trenza (braid)

More examples

¿Te hago una trenza para la fiesta?

Shall I make you a braid for the party?

Core concept

Braid of hair formed by crossing three separate sections into a single rope-like length.

Common phrases

  • hacer una trenza

    make a braid

  • llevar una trenza

    wear a braid

  • trenza francesa

    French braid

Similar words

coleta: Hair gathered and tied at the back or side with a band, hanging down.
moño: Hair twisted or wrapped into a round knot on the head and fixed with pins or a tie.
peinado: Hair arranged into a specific style or look.

Definition in Spanish

Peinado que se obtiene dividiendo el cabello en tres secciones y cruzándolas sucesivamente hasta formar una pieza continua.

Word origin

The Spanish trenza derives from medieval trença and matches Portuguese trança and Old French tresse, while the verb trenzar is formed from the noun.

Usage tips

  • Trenza also denotes braided breads or pastries in Spanish, so context shows whether it means hair or a baked braid.

Other meanings

  • pigtailnoun

Opposites

  • pelo sueltohair downnoun

Related words

  • trenzarbraidverb
  • trenzadobraidedadjective
  • trencitasmall braidnoun

Word lists with this word