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porcelana

por-seh-LAH-nah/poɾseˈlana/

“porcelana” means “porcelain” in Spanish (the ceramic material).

porcelain, china

Also: flawless/smooth
NounfB1
A delicate white porcelain teacup and saucer with a faint blue floral pattern on a clean surface.

📝 In Action

Esta taza es de porcelana fina.

A1

This cup is made of fine porcelain.

Mi abuela tiene una colección de muñecas de porcelana.

A2

My grandmother has a collection of porcelain dolls.

Ella tiene una piel de porcelana, siempre muy cuidada.

B2

She has flawless skin, always very well-cared for.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cerámica (ceramic)
  • loza (earthenware)

Antonyms

  • plástico (plastic)

Common Collocations

  • vajilla de porcelana – porcelain dinnerware
  • piel de porcelana – porcelain skin (perfect skin)
  • figurita de porcelana – porcelain figurine

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser de porcelana – to be very fragile or delicate

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "porcelana" in Spanish:

china→porcelain→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: porcelana

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'A porcelain vase' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
porcelánico(porcelain-like (often used for floor tiles)) — Adjective
empocelanar(to enamel or coat in porcelain) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Italian word 'porcellana,' which originally referred to a type of sea shell (the cowrie) because the ceramic's surface looked as white and shiny as the shell.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: porcelainePortuguese: porcelana

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'cerámica' and 'porcelana'?

Porcelana is actually a high-quality type of cerámica. It is fired at higher temperatures, making it harder and more translucent.

Can I use 'porcelana' to describe floor tiles?

Yes, but often you will see the adjective 'porcelánico' used for tiles, as in 'suelo porcelánico' (porcelain flooring).

Does 'porcelana' ever mean the country China?

No. The country is 'China' (with a capital C). The material is always 'porcelana'.