sellar
“sellar” means “to stamp” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to stamp
Also: to postmark
📝 In Action
Necesito que me sellen el pasaporte en la aduana.
A2I need them to stamp my passport at customs.
El secretario tiene que sellar todos los documentos oficiales.
B1The secretary has to stamp all the official documents.
Correos selló el sobre esta mañana.
B1The post office postmarked the envelope this morning.
to seal
Also: to caulk
📝 In Action
Lame el pegamento para sellar el sobre.
A2Lick the glue to seal the envelope.
Tenemos que sellar las grietas de la ventana para que no entre aire.
B1We have to seal the cracks in the window so air doesn't get in.
El fontanero selló la tubería con silicona.
B2The plumber sealed the pipe with silicone.
to seal
Also: to conclude
📝 In Action
Los dos líderes sellaron un pacto de no agresión.
B2The two leaders sealed a non-aggression pact.
Ese error selló el destino de la empresa.
C1That mistake sealed the company's fate.
Sellaron su compromiso con un beso.
B2They sealed their commitment with a kiss.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sellar
Question 1 of 3
If you just arrived at an airport in Spain, what might the officer do to your passport?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'sigillare', which means to mark with a sign or seal (sigillum).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'sellar' always involve ink?
Not necessarily. While it often refers to ink stamps, it can also mean sealing an envelope with glue or sealing a crack with silicone.
What is the difference between 'un sello' and 'sellar'?
'Un sello' is the noun (the physical stamp or postage stamp), while 'sellar' is the action (the verb) of applying it.
Is 'sellar' used for sealing food?
Yes, especially in the phrase 'sellar al vacío' (to vacuum seal) or 'sellar la carne' (to sear meat to keep the juices in).