corbata

tie

noun kohr-BAH-tah Rare

Origin: Via French cravate, ultimately from Croat (Croatian).

Also means

necktie

Usage Note

Corbata refers to a necktie worn with formal attire. The word reached Spanish through French cravate, traced to the neck scarves worn by Croatian mercenaries in 17th-century France. A bow tie is a pajarita in Spain. A dress code reading corbata obligatoria (tie required) is still common in formal Latin American offices, whereas Spain has grown more relaxed.

Examples

"Se puso la corbata antes de la reunión."

Natural Translation

He put on his tie before the meeting.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Spanish False Friends That Cause Real Embarrassment

Spanish false friends like embarazada and excitado don't mean what you think. Learn the trap words, the right ones to say instead, and how to stop guessing.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Introduce Yourself in Spanish: 12 Real Phrases

Introduce yourself in Spanish with 12 ready-to-speak phrases — name, origin, age, and job — in both tú and usted, with the verb traps that trip up beginners.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

Tener in Spanish: Why You're Hungry, Cold & 30 Years

In Spanish you HAVE hunger, cold, and 30 years — not are them. Master tener expressions like tengo hambre, tengo frío, and tengo 30 años in one rule.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

Por vs Para in Spanish: One Mental Model, No Acronyms

Por looks backward at cause and path; para looks forward at goal and destination. Master por vs para in Spanish with one mental model — no acronyms needed.

June 3, 2026 6 min read