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How do you differentiate in Spanish between an ordinary hat (sombrero) and what is known in English as a sombrero?

How do you differentiate in Spanish between an ordinary hat (sombrero) and what is known in English as a sombrero?

3
votes

In English, the word 'sombrero' denotes a particular kind of hat, usually seen in Mexico. In Spanish, the word 'sombrero' means 'hat' and means any kind of hat, and usually NOT a Mexican-type sombrero. So when a Spanish speaking person means to talk about a Mexican-type sombrero, what word does he or she use, or how is the word sombrero modified so that the meaning 'Mexican-type' or Mariachi sombrero is clear? I imagine that a phrase exists, 'sombrero de ________', and I'd like to know what that is.

24567 views
updated Jul 10, 2010
posted by lazlolazlo

2 Answers

3
votes

The regular baseball hat is a "gorra" A hat like you might wear in the cold winter is a "cachucha".

updated Jul 10, 2010
posted by petersenkid2
2
votes

Sombrero just means hat, plain and simple. You determine which kind of hat the same way you do in English: Straw hat, panama hat, cocktail hat....

Sombrero mexicano, sombrero panamá, sobrero de paja, sombrero de fieltro, sombrero pumpá, etc.

updated Jul 9, 2010
posted by Gekkosan