Gorro vs. Gorra: Decoding Spanish Headgear

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to explore the nuances of the Spanish language, starting with two deceptively similar nouns: gorro (masculine) and gorra (feminine). Although both refer to types of headgear, their designs and purposes set them apart.

What is a Gorro?

Pronounced [ˈɡoro], a gorro is typically a brimless, peakless hat, often knitted and snug-fitting—perfect for keeping warm in chilly weather. It pairs well with winter essentials like bufandas (scarves), guantes (gloves), and abrigos (coats). For example:

• Se puso un gorro rojo. — She put on a red hat.

• En invierno suelo llevar bufanda, gorro y guantes. — In winter, I usually wear a scarf, hat, and gloves.

• ¿Cuánto cuesta este gorro? — How much is this hat?

However, gorro isn’t limited to woolly winter wear. It can also refer to specific brimless hats made from other materials:

• un cocinero con su alto gorro blanco — a chef with his tall white hat

• No se puede entrar en la piscina sin gorro de baño. — You can’t enter the pool without a swimming cap.

For infants, a gorro might even be a delicate bonnet:

• un gorro para bebé en crochet — a crocheted baby’s bonnet

What is a Gorra?

Pronounced [ˈɡora], a gorra typically refers to a cap with a peak or visor. Whether it’s for sports, fashion, or functionality, gorra generally translates to ‘cap’ in English:

• Llevaba una gorra de beisbolista. — He was wearing a baseball cap.

• Podríamos comprarnos gorras con visera. — We could buy ourselves peaked caps.

• una gorra de apariencia militar — a cap of military appearance

Puzzle Time!

1. How many types of headgear can you identify in this sentence?

   • Vendo cascos búlgaros, boinas rusas y gorras alemanas.

2. Which Spanish word for a hat is associated with providing shade?

Answers:

1. Three: cascos (helmets), boinas (berets), and gorras (caps).

2. Sombrero—derived from sombra (shade)—is the ideal word for a hat that provides sun protection.

Stay tuned for more insights into lookalike Spanish nouns in the weeks to come!