sello
/SEH-yoh/
postage stamp
A postage stamp used for sending mail is called a sello.
📝 In Action
¿Dónde puedo comprar un sello para esta postal?
A1Where can I buy a stamp for this postcard?
Pega el sello en la esquina superior derecha del sobre.
A2Stick the stamp on the top right corner of the envelope.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
'Sello' is always a masculine word, so use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el sello', 'un sello nuevo'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Sello' and 'Sellar'
Mistake: "Using 'sello' when you mean the action of stamping."
Correction: Remember 'sello' is the physical item (the stamp), and 'sellar' is the action (to stamp/seal).
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Variation
In some countries, especially in Latin America, 'estampilla' is more common than 'sello' when talking about postage stamps.
An official mark or impression, like a wax seal, is also referred to as a sello.
sello(noun)
seal
?official mark or impression
,stamp
?rubber device used for marking documents
imprint
?the mark left by the device
📝 In Action
El abogado certificó el contrato con su sello.
B1The lawyer certified the contract with his seal.
Asegúrate de que la caja tenga el sello de seguridad intacto.
B2Make sure the box has the security seal intact.
Tuvimos que esperar a que pusieran el sello oficial en nuestro pasaporte.
B2We had to wait for them to put the official stamp on our passport.
💡 Grammar Points
Actions related to 'Sello'
The action of applying the seal is 'poner un sello' (to put a seal) or 'estampar un sello' (to stamp a seal).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are in an airport or government office, 'sello' almost certainly means the official stamp or seal, not a postage stamp.
In the music industry, a record label (the company) is known as a sello or sello discográfico.
sello(noun)
record label
?music industry
,imprint
?publishing house division
trademark
?figurative mark of origin
📝 In Action
La banda lanzó su nuevo álbum bajo un sello independiente.
B2The band released their new album under an independent record label.
Este libro tiene el sello de una editorial muy prestigiosa.
C1This book has the imprint of a very prestigious publishing house.
Esa canción lleva el sello personal del artista.
C1That song carries the artist's personal mark (or hallmark).
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used figuratively, 'sello' means a distinctive characteristic or quality that defines someone or something, like an artistic style or personal touch.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sello
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'sello' is used in the phrase: 'Esa película tiene el sello de un director muy original.'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'sello' masculine or feminine?
'Sello' is a masculine noun, so you always use the masculine articles: 'el sello' (the stamp) or 'un sello' (a stamp).
What is the verb form of 'sello'?
The verb related to 'sello' is 'sellar,' which means 'to stamp' or 'to seal' something, like sealing a document or stamping a passport.