Inklingo

How to Say "adhesive tape" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “adhesive tape” is “cinta” — use 'cinta' when referring to general sticky tape, like Scotch tape, or when the context implies a thin strip used for sticking things, such as when decorating or temporarily fastening items.

English → Spanish

cinta

SEEN-tahˈsin̪.t̪a

nounA2general
Use 'cinta' when referring to general sticky tape, like Scotch tape, or when the context implies a thin strip used for sticking things, such as when decorating or temporarily fastening items.
A roll of transparent adhesive tape with the end slightly peeled off.

Examples

Pega el póster a la pared con un poco de cinta adhesiva.

Stick the poster to the wall with a bit of adhesive tape.

Necesitas una cinta métrica para saber cuánto mide la mesa.

You need a measuring tape to know how long the table is.

Specific Tape Types

To specify which kind of tape you mean, you usually add a clarifying adjective, such as 'adhesiva' (adhesive) or 'métrica' (measuring).

Confusing Tape Types

Mistake: “¿Dónde está la cinta de medir?”

Correction: Although understandable, the standard term is 'cinta métrica', meaning 'metric tape' or 'measuring tape'.

celo

SEH-loh/ˈθelo/ (Spain), /ˈselo/ (Latin America)

nounA2general
Use 'celo' specifically for the common clear or transparent plastic tape used for sealing packages or for general household repairs.
A roll of clear shiny plastic adhesive tape sitting on a wooden table.

Examples

¿Me pasas el celo para cerrar el paquete?

Can you pass me the tape to close the package?

He pegado el cartel con un poco de celo.

I've put up the poster with a bit of tape.

No queda celo en el cajón.

There is no tape left in the drawer.

Brand names as nouns

This word comes from the brand 'Sellotape'. Just like 'Kleenex', it is now the standard word for any clear tape in Spain.

Using 'celo' for tape in Latin America

Mistake: “Busco celo en la tienda (in Mexico).”

Correction: Busco cinta (in Mexico). In Latin America, use 'cinta' or 'durex' instead.

General vs. Specific Tape

Learners often confuse 'cinta' and 'celo' because both mean tape. Remember that 'cinta' is broader and can mean ribbon or tape in general, while 'celo' usually refers to the specific plastic tape used for sealing.

Related Translations

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