pinturas
/peen-TOO-ras/
paint
Pinturas, meaning 'paint,' often refers to the colored substance used for coating surfaces, typically found in cans or containers.
pinturas(noun)
paint
?colored substance for coating surfaces (plural form, often used when referring to types or cans)
coatings
?industrial or protective layers
,dyes
?coloring materials
📝 In Action
Fuimos a comprar pinturas de diferentes colores para renovar la sala.
A1We went to buy paints of different colors to renovate the living room.
Estas pinturas son lavables, lo cual es ideal si tienes niños.
A2These paints are washable, which is ideal if you have children.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural in English Context
Even though 'pinturas' is plural, in English, we often translate it using the uncountable singular 'paint,' especially when talking about the material itself. Just remember to use the feminine plural articles in Spanish (las, unas).
⭐ Usage Tips
Specific Paint Type
If you need oil paint, say 'pinturas al óleo.' If you need acrylic, say 'pinturas acrílicas.' The type is usually added after the word.
Pinturas can also mean 'paintings,' referring to finished works of art.
📝 In Action
Las pinturas abstractas son difíciles de entender a veces.
B1Abstract paintings are sometimes difficult to understand.
El museo exhibe pinturas de artistas famosos del siglo XX.
A2The museum exhibits paintings by famous 20th-century artists.
💡 Grammar Points
Art vs. Material
When 'pinturas' means 'paintings' (the finished art), it usually refers to multiple, separate pieces you can count. When it means 'paint' (the substance), it often refers to different types or containers of the material.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pinturas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'pinturas' to mean finished works of art?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'pinturas' feminine, even when referring to a can of paint?
The base word, 'pintura,' is a feminine noun in Spanish, just like 'casa' (house) or 'mesa' (table). All words derived from it, like the plural 'pinturas,' keep that feminine gender. You must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'unas pinturas caras').
Is 'pintura' or 'pinturas' more common?
'Pintura' (singular) is extremely common when speaking generally about the concept of paint or painting. However, 'pinturas' (plural) is very common when talking about specific types, colors, or collections of paint or art.