Inklingo
← Dictionary

placa

PLAH-kahˈplaka

license plate

Also: number plate
NounfA2
Mexico / Central AmericaSpain
A rectangular, brightly colored license plate attached to the rear bumper of a simplified car.

📝 In Action

¿Dónde está la placa trasera de tu coche?

A2

Where is your car's back license plate?

El policía me pidió ver mi licencia y la placa del vehículo.

B1

The police officer asked me to see my license and the vehicle's plate.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • matrícula (registration/license plate)

Common Collocations

  • número de placa – plate number
  • cambiar la placa – to change the license plate

plaque, nameplate

Also: badge
NounfB1
A small, rectangular, bronze-colored plaque affixed to a stone wall, symbolizing a commemoration.

📝 In Action

Colocaron una placa conmemorativa en la pared del edificio antiguo.

B1

They placed a commemorative plaque on the wall of the old building.

El detective mostró su placa antes de entrar a la casa.

B2

The detective showed his badge before entering the house.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • rótulo (sign/label)
  • insignia (badge/emblem)

Common Collocations

  • placa de metal – metal plaque
  • placa de identificación – ID badge

sheet, panel

Also: circuit board, dental plaque
NounfB2
A large, thin, rectangular sheet of shiny silver metal resting flat on a surface.

📝 In Action

Necesitamos una placa de yeso para cubrir esta pared.

B2

We need a sheet of drywall (gypsum plate) to cover this wall.

La placa solar genera suficiente energía para la casa.

C1

The solar panel generates enough energy for the house.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • lámina (sheet/foil)
  • tablero (board/panel)

Common Collocations

  • placa base – motherboard (computer)
  • placa de vidrio – sheet of glass

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: placa

Question 1 of 2

Which English word is the best translation for 'placa' in the sentence: 'Mi computadora necesita una placa base nueva.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
plaqueta(small plate/platelet) — Noun
emplacar(to plate/to register (a vehicle)) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Old French word *plaque*, meaning a piece of metal or armor, which itself has Germanic roots. It has always referred to a flat, rigid piece of material.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: plaqueItalian: placca

💡 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

Is 'placa' only used for cars, or can it be used for other vehicles?

'Placa' is used for any motorized vehicle that requires official registration, including motorcycles, trucks, and sometimes large trailers.

How do I say 'dental plaque'?

You can use 'placa dental' or simply 'placa' in a medical context, as in 'Tengo mucha placa en los dientes' (I have a lot of plaque on my teeth).