Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Sew in Spanish: Coser
Coser · verb · koh-SEHR
Coser is the Spanish verb meaning to sew, covering everything from stitching a button to making a full garment. It is a regular -er verb and should not be confused with cocer (to cook/boil), which differs by only one letter. Zurcir is the specialized term for darning or mending holes in fabric.
Say koh-SEHR with a clear 's' sound in the middle. Be careful to distinguish it from cocer (koh-SEHR in some dialects), which means 'to cook' — context and spelling are your guides.
Mi abuela me enseñó a coser cuando era niña.
My grandmother taught me to sew when I was a girl.
sew in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for sew, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| coser | sew | koh-SEHR | Default, widely understood |
| zurcir | sew | specifically for darning or mending holes |
How Native Speakers Use Coser
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
clothing repair
¿Podrías coserme el botón que se desprendió de la chaqueta?
Can you sew this button that fell off the shirt?
Coser is the go-to verb for basic sewing repairs.
hobby
Aprendí a coser con máquina para hacer mis propios vestidos.
I learned to sew with a machine to make my own dresses.
Coser covers both hand and machine sewing.
mending
Hay que zurcir el agujero de los calcetines antes de que crezca más.
We need to sew up the hole in the socks before it gets bigger.
Zurcir specifically means to darn or mend holes.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Coser
coser vs cocer
Incorrect: Voy a cocer el dobladillo del pantalón.
Correct: Voy a coser el dobladillo del pantalón.
Cocer means 'to boil' or 'to cook' — one letter difference completely changes the meaning from sewing a hem to boiling your pants.
sewing vs knitting
Incorrect: Cosí una bufanda de lana con agujas.
Correct: Tejí una bufanda de lana con agujas.
Sewing (coser) uses a needle and thread on fabric, while knitting with yarn and needles is tejer — these are different crafts with different verbs.
Lock in sew Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Coser used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using coser in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Mi abuela me enseñó a coser cuando era niña. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About sew in Spanish
- How do I conjugate coser in the present tense?
- Coser is a regular -er verb: coso, coses, cose, cosemos, coséis, cosen. There are no stem changes or irregularities, making it one of the easier verbs to conjugate.
- What is a seamstress called in Spanish?
- A seamstress is a costurera and a tailor is a sastre. The term modista can refer to either a dressmaker or fashion designer depending on context and region.
- How do I say 'sewing machine' in Spanish?
- A sewing machine is a máquina de coser, literally 'machine for sewing.' This is the universal term across all Spanish-speaking countries.