Inklingo

How to Say "checkmark" in Spanish

English → Spanish

paloma

pah-LOH-mahpaˈloma

nounB2
Use 'paloma' when referring to a tick mark that has been placed on a paper, often in an academic or grading context, to signify correctness or completion.
A bold green checkmark drawn on a piece of white paper.

Examples

Saqué un diez porque todas mis respuestas tienen una paloma.

I got a ten (perfect score) because all my answers have a checkmark.

palomita

pah-loh-mee-tahpaloˈmita

nounA1informal
Use 'palomita' for a small tick mark, especially one used to quickly indicate that something is correct or has been selected, often in informal or everyday contexts.
A wooden bowl filled with fluffy, white popcorn against a bright yellow background.

Examples

Pon una palomita al lado de los nombres de los que asistieron.

Put a little checkmark next to the names of those who attended.

Siempre como palomitas de maíz cuando voy al cine.

I always eat popcorn when I go to the movies.

El maestro puso una palomita en mi tarea porque todo estaba bien.

The teacher put a checkmark on my homework because everything was correct.

Mira esa palomita blanca volando sobre el parque.

Look at that little white dove flying over the park.

The '-ita' Ending

The ending '-ita' makes the word 'paloma' (dove) mean 'little dove.' In Spanish, we use these endings to show something is small or to sound more affectionate.

Plural for Popcorn

When talking about popcorn as a snack, we almost always use the plural form 'palomitas,' just like we usually say 'chips' or 'grapes' in English.

Using the wrong word for popcorn

Mistake: “Using 'palomita' everywhere for popcorn.”

Correction: In many countries, 'palomita' is common, but in others like Argentina, they say 'pochoclo.' Check the regionalisms section to be safe!

Paloma vs. Palomita Confusion

Learners often confuse 'paloma' and 'palomita' because both can mean 'checkmark.' Remember that 'paloma' is typically used for marks on paper, especially in formal settings like grading, while 'palomita' is a more general, often informal, term for a small tick mark.

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