Inklingo

How to Say "cartoons" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dibujos

dee-BOO-hosdiˈβuxos

nounA2general
Use 'dibujos' when referring to animated television shows or films, especially those watched for entertainment.
A vibrant, exaggerated cartoon scene featuring a smiling blue cat character waving enthusiastically.

Examples

Mis hijos ven muchos dibujos los sábados por la mañana.

My children watch a lot of cartoons on Saturday mornings.

Me encantaba ver **dibujos** cuando era pequeño.

I loved watching **cartoons** when I was little.

Pon los **dibujos** para que los niños se entretengan.

Put on the **cartoons** so the children are entertained.

The Short Form

This meaning is a shortened version of the full phrase dibujos animados (animated drawings), but in daily life, people almost always drop animados.

Confusing 'Cartoons' and 'Comics'

Mistake: “Using **dibujos** when you mean a comic book or strip.”

Correction: Use *cómics* or *tiras cómicas* for comic strips. **Dibujos** usually refers to animated TV/film.

animación

nounA2general
Use 'animación' when talking about the art or technique of animation in general, or the visual aspect of an animated work.

Examples

La animación de esa película es increíblemente detallada.

The animation in that movie is incredibly detailed.

Dibujos vs. Animación

Learners often confuse 'dibujos' and 'animación'. Remember that 'dibujos' refers specifically to the shows/movies themselves, while 'animación' is the broader term for the art or technique of creating them.

Related Translations

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