Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
String in Spanish: Cuerda
Cuerda · noun · KWEHR-dah
Cuerda is the most versatile Spanish word for string, covering rope, cord, and the strings of musical instruments. For thinner materials like sewing thread, hilo is the better choice, and cordel refers to twine used for packaging or tying. Guitar strings, for example, are cuerdas, while a ball of yarn is a bola de hilo.
Say KWEHR-dah, stressing the first syllable. The ue makes a quick diphthong similar to the we in quest.
Necesito un pedazo de cuerda para atar la caja.
I need a piece of string to tie the box.
String in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for string, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| cuerda | string | KWEHR-dah | Default, widely understood |
| hilo | string | thin string or thread | |
| cordel | string | twine or packaging string |
How Native Speakers Use Cuerda
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Tying a package
Ata el paquete con un cordel fuerte para que no se abra.
Tie the package with strong string so it doesn't open.
Cordel is the go-to word for twine or packaging string.
Musical instrument strings
El guitarrista rompió una cuerda durante el concierto y tuvo que cambiarla.
The guitarist broke a string during the concert and had to change it.
Cuerdas is the standard term for guitar, violin, and other instrument strings.
Sewing thread
Pásame el hilo y la aguja para remendar este botón.
Pass me the thread and needle to mend this button.
Hilo is the correct term for sewing thread and very thin string.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Cuerda
Using cuerda for sewing thread
Incorrect: Necesito cuerda para coser el botón.
Correct: Necesito hilo para coser el botón.
Cuerda is too thick for sewing. Hilo is the word for thin thread used with a needle. Using cuerda for sewing would be like using rope to sew on a button.
Saying cadena when meaning string
Incorrect: Los instrumentos de cadena son muy elegantes.
Correct: Los instrumentos de cuerda son muy elegantes.
Cadena means chain, not string. String instruments are instrumentos de cuerda, never instrumentos de cadena.
Lock in String 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 Cuerda used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using cuerda in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Necesito un pedazo de cuerda para atar la caja. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About String in Spanish
- How do you say string in Spanish?
- The most common translation is cuerda, which works for rope, cord, and instrument strings. For thin thread, use hilo. For packaging twine, use cordel. The right word depends on the thickness and purpose of the string.
- What is the difference between cuerda, hilo, and cordel?
- Cuerda is the broadest term, covering everything from thin cord to thick rope. Hilo is specifically for thin thread (sewing, embroidery). Cordel is medium-weight twine typically used for tying packages or hanging things.
- How do you say string instrument in Spanish?
- A string instrument is an instrumento de cuerda. The string family includes guitarra (guitar), violín (violin), violonchelo (cello), and arpa (harp). The category is called las cuerdas in an orchestra.