imprenta
“imprenta” means “printing press” in Spanish (the machine or historical invention).
printing press
Also: print shop, printing
📝 In Action
La invención de la imprenta cambió el mundo para siempre.
A2The invention of the printing press changed the world forever.
Tengo que ir a la imprenta para pedir mis tarjetas de visita.
B1I have to go to the print shop to order my business cards.
Este libro tiene una imprenta muy clara y elegante.
B2This book has very clear and elegant printing.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: imprenta
Question 1 of 3
Which word should you use for the printer connected to your home computer?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the old Spanish word 'imprentar', which comes from the French 'empreinte' (impression/mark), ultimately from Latin 'imprimere' meaning 'to press into'.
First recorded: 15th Century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'imprenta' mean 'the news'?
Not usually. 'La prensa' refers to news and journalists. 'La imprenta' refers to the physical act or place of printing.
Can I use 'imprenta' for a publishing company?
Yes, it can sometimes refer to the business that produces the books, though 'editorial' is more common for the office that selects and edits them.
How do I say 'I'm going to the print shop'?
Say 'Voy a la imprenta'.