grabado
“grabado” means “recorded” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
recorded, engravedAlso: etched, inscribed
📝 In Action
El concierto está grabado en alta definición.
A2The concert is recorded in high definition.
Encontraron un mensaje grabado en la pared de la cueva.
B1They found a message engraved on the cave wall.
La canción ya fue grabada, solo falta publicarla.
A2The song has already been recorded; it just needs to be released.
Word Connections
engraving, printAlso: etching
📝 In Action
El museo exhibe una colección de grabados de Goya.
B2The museum exhibits a collection of Goya's prints/engravings.
Este grabado antiguo vale miles de euros.
B1This old engraving is worth thousands of euros.
Word Connections
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: grabado
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'grabado' to refer to a piece of art?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
The word comes from the Germanic root *graven*, meaning 'to dig' or 'to carve.' It entered Spanish via French ('graver') and originally referred only to carving or engraving physical objects. The modern meaning of 'recording audio/video' is a relatively recent extension, linked to the idea of fixing information onto a medium.
First recorded: 15th century (as 'engrave')
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
If 'grabado' means 'recorded,' how do I say 'I recorded'?
You would use the simple past tense of the verb 'grabar': 'Yo grabé' (I recorded). 'Grabado' is only used with 'haber' (e.g., 'Yo he grabado' - I have recorded) or as a descriptive word (adjective).
Is 'grabado' only for audio and video?
No! It is also used for physical carving or etching. If you carve initials into a tree, those initials are 'grabadas' in the wood. The core meaning is fixing something permanently onto a surface.