tatuaje
“tatuaje” means “tattoo” in Spanish (body art).
tattoo
Also: ink
📝 In Action
¿Te gusta mi nuevo tatuaje en el brazo?
A2Do you like my new tattoo on my arm?
Ella quiere hacerse un tatuaje de una mariposa.
B1She wants to get a butterfly tattoo.
El tatuaje tribal tiene un significado cultural profundo.
B2The tribal tattoo has a deep cultural meaning.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tatuaje
Question 1 of 2
Which phrase is the most natural way to say 'I want to get a tattoo'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word traveled across the world! It comes from the Polynesian language (specifically Tahitian 'tatau'), meaning 'to mark or strike'. European explorers, notably Captain Cook in the 18th century, brought the concept and the word back, and it eventually entered Spanish.
First recorded: 18th century (in European languages, later adopted by Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'tatuaje' masculine if it ends in -e?
Spanish has a group of common words ending in -aje (like 'viaje,' 'garaje,' and 'tatuaje') that are exceptions to the usual rules and are always masculine. You must use 'el' before them.
Is there a verb form related to 'tatuaje'?
Yes, the verb is 'tatuar,' which means 'to tattoo' or 'to apply a tattoo.' The person who does it is a 'tatuador' or 'tatuadora'.