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sello

SEH-yohˈse.ʝo

postage stamp

Also: stamp
NounmA1
Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela
A small, colorful rectangular postage stamp with wavy edges, featuring a simple drawing of a flower.

📝 In Action

¿Dónde puedo comprar un sello para esta postal?

A1

Where can I buy a stamp for this postcard?

Pega el sello en la esquina superior derecha del sobre.

A2

Stick the stamp on the top right corner of the envelope.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • estampilla (stamp (postage))

Common Collocations

  • coleccionar sellos – to collect stamps
  • oficina de sellos – stamp office

seal, stamp

Also: imprint
NounmB1
A clear, circular red wax impression pressed onto a piece of parchment, showing a distinct official crest design.

📝 In Action

El abogado certificó el contrato con su sello.

B1

The lawyer certified the contract with his seal.

Asegúrate de que la caja tenga el sello de seguridad intacto.

B2

Make sure the box has the security seal intact.

Tuvimos que esperar a que pusieran el sello oficial en nuestro pasaporte.

B2

We had to wait for them to put the official stamp on our passport.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • marchamo (customs seal)
  • timbre (stamp/bell)

Common Collocations

  • sello de calidad – quality seal/mark
  • sello real – royal seal

record label, imprint

Also: trademark
NounmB2
The center of a black vinyl record showing the circular paper label affixed to it. The label is bright yellow with a simple graphic design.

📝 In Action

La banda lanzó su nuevo álbum bajo un sello independiente.

B2

The band released their new album under an independent record label.

Este libro tiene el sello de una editorial muy prestigiosa.

C1

This book has the imprint of a very prestigious publishing house.

Esa canción lleva el sello personal del artista.

C1

That song carries the artist's personal mark (or hallmark).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • marca (brand/mark)
  • discográfica (record company)

Common Collocations

  • sello discográfico – record label
  • sello de autor – author's mark/style

Translate to Spanish

✏️ 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

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *sigillum*, which meant 'small sign' or 'image,' and eventually 'seal.' It is related to the idea of impressing a mark onto wax or paper.

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: seloItalian: sigillo

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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.