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esmalte

es-MAHL-teh/esˈmalte/

“esmalte” means “nail polish” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

nail polish

Also: lacquer
NounmA2
SpainLatin America
A small bottle of vibrant red nail polish with the brush resting against the opening.

📝 In Action

Me gusta este color de esmalte.

A1

I like this nail polish color.

Necesito comprar un esmalte de secado rápido.

A2

I need to buy a quick-drying nail polish.

El esmalte se me está saltando.

B1

My nail polish is chipping off.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • laca de uñas (nail lacquer)
  • pintauñas (nail polish (informal))

Antonyms

  • quitaesmalte (nail polish remover)

Common Collocations

  • esmalte de uñas – nail polish
  • ponerse esmalte – to put on nail polish
  • capa de esmalte – coat of polish

enamel

Also: glaze
NounmB2
A shiny, white human tooth showing a healthy, protective outer layer.

📝 In Action

El azúcar puede dañar el esmalte de los dientes.

B1

Sugar can damage tooth enamel.

Esta cazuela tiene un acabado de esmalte.

B2

This pot has an enamel finish.

El artista aplicó un esmalte azul a la cerámica.

C1

The artist applied a blue glaze to the ceramic.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • vidriado (glazing)

Common Collocations

  • esmalte dental – tooth enamel
  • pintura de esmalte – enamel paint
  • esmalte al fuego – vitreous enamel / fired enamel

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "esmalte" in Spanish:

enamel→glaze→lacquer→nail polish→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: esmalte

Question 1 of 3

¿Cuál es la traducción más común de 'esmalte' en una tienda de belleza?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
esmaltar(to enamel / to polish) — Verb
esmaltado(enameled / polished) — Adjective
esmaltador(enameler) — Noun
quitaesmalte(nail polish remover) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
asfaltesalte
📚 Etymology▼

From the Germanic word 'smalt' (meaning to melt), which traveled through Old French as 'esmail' before becoming the Spanish word we use today to describe a melted, glassy coating.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: émailItalian: smaltoEnglish: enamel

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'esmalte' used for both fingers and toes?

Yes, 'esmalte' is used for polish on both fingernails and toenails.

Can I use 'esmalte' for hairspray?

No, for hairspray you should use 'laca' or 'fijador'.

What is the difference between 'esmalte' and 'pintauñas'?

They mean the same thing, but 'esmalte' is more formal/neutral, while 'pintauñas' is more common in casual conversation in Spain.