Inklingo
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pintura

/peen-TOO-rah/

paint

An open can filled with vibrant blue paint, showing a small drip running down the exterior of the can.

The word pintura can refer to paint, the colored substance used to cover surfaces.

pintura(noun)

fA1

paint

?

the colored substance used to cover surfaces

Also:

coating

?

a protective layer

📝 In Action

Necesitamos comprar más pintura azul para terminar la pared.

A1

We need to buy more blue paint to finish the wall.

Esta pintura es a base de agua y seca muy rápido.

A2

This paint is water-based and dries very quickly.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tinte (dye/tint)

Common Collocations

  • bote de pintura – can of paint
  • capa de pintura – coat of paint

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Remember that 'pintura' is always feminine, so you must use 'la pintura' or 'una pintura'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Paintbrush vs. Paint

Don't confuse 'pintura' (the substance) with 'pincel' or 'brocha' (the tools used to apply it).

A finished, colorful, abstract painting depicting a sun and a tree, resting on a wooden easel.

Pintura also means a painting, referring to a finished piece of art.

pintura(noun)

fA2

painting

?

a piece of art

,

picture

?

general term for an image

📝 In Action

Fuimos al museo a ver la nueva colección de pinturas.

A2

We went to the museum to see the new collection of paintings.

Esta pintura abstracta es mi favorita.

B1

This abstract painting is my favorite.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cuadro (painting/picture (often framed))
  • obra (work of art)

Common Collocations

  • pintura al óleo – oil painting
  • pintura rupestre – cave painting

💡 Grammar Points

Artwork vs. Frame

While 'pintura' refers to the artwork itself, 'cuadro' often implies the artwork plus the frame, or a general framed picture.

A hand holding a brush actively spreading bright yellow paint onto a clean white wall.

Finally, pintura can refer to the action or job of applying paint.

pintura(noun)

fB1

painting

?

the act or job of applying paint

Also:

make-up

?

cosmetics (rare, often replaced by 'maquillaje')

📝 In Action

La pintura del coche es muy costosa.

B1

The painting (job) of the car is very expensive.

Contrataron a un equipo para la pintura exterior de la escuela.

B2

They hired a team for the exterior painting of the school.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pintado (the act of painting)
  • decoración (decoration)

💡 Grammar Points

Action vs. Result

In this sense, 'pintura' refers to the activity itself, similar to how 'lectura' means 'reading' (the activity).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: pintura

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'pintura' to mean the finished artwork, not the substance?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

pintar(to paint) - verb
pintor(painter (male)) - noun
pintoresco(picturesque) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'pintura' different from 'cuadro'?

'Pintura' is the general term for the art form or the substance (paint). 'Cuadro' specifically refers to a framed picture or painting, usually hanging on a wall.

Does 'pintura' ever mean make-up?

Yes, but rarely and mostly in older or informal contexts. The common, modern word for make-up or cosmetics is 'maquillaje'.