Tijeras is a noun.
/tixeˈɾas/
Tijeras refers to a cutting tool consisting of two blades pivoted together, commonly used for cutting various materials such as paper, fabric, and hair. In the Spanish language, tijeras can be used in both oral and written contexts, with a slight preference for more formal written applications, especially in educational and professional settings related to crafts, art, or grooming.
Ella siempre lleva tijeras en su bolso.
She always carries scissors in her bag.
Vamos a comprar unas tijeras nuevas para la clase de manualidades.
We are going to buy new scissors for arts and crafts class.
Necesito tijeras para cortar este papel.
I need scissors to cut this paper.
While tijeras may not be prevalent in many idiomatic expressions, it can be found in a few phrases or metaphors, often relating to precision, cutting, or separating themes.
Cortar con tijeras (to cut with scissors)
This phrase can metaphorically refer to making decisions that separate parts of life or tasks.
Es hora de cortar con tijeras algunas relaciones que no me benefician.
(It's time to cut with scissors some relationships that do not benefit me.)
Las tijeras del tiempo (the scissors of time)
This expression can refer to time's ability to separate past from future or to cut things off.
Las tijeras del tiempo siempre nos enseñan lecciones valiosas.
(The scissors of time always teach us valuable lessons.)
Dejar las tijeras abiertas (to leave the scissors open)
This expression can be about leaving options open or unfinished tasks.
No me gusta dejar las tijeras abiertas; prefiero terminar lo que empiezo.
(I don’t like to leave the scissors open; I prefer to finish what I start.)
The word tijeras comes from the Latin term cisoria, which means "cutting instrument," derived from caedere, meaning "to cut." Over time, the term evolved into the modern Spanish usage.
Synonyms:
- Cortadora (cutter)
- Tijera de sastre (tailor's scissors)
Antonyms:
- Unión (union) - in a metaphorical sense, as it implies bringing together rather than separating.
In summary, tijeras is a commonly used noun in Spanish, especially in contexts relating to arts, crafts, and grooming, with figurative expressions adding depth to its usage in the language.