Inklingo

How to Say "decoration" in Spanish

English → Spanish

adorno

/ah-DOR-noh//aˈðoɾno/

nounA2general
Use 'adorno' for a specific, individual item that is used to make something look more attractive, especially a smaller, ornamental object.
A colorful festive wreath hanging on a wooden door.

Examples

Pusimos un adorno navideño en la puerta.

We put a Christmas decoration on the door.

El pastel tiene muchos adornos de azúcar.

The cake has many sugar decorations.

No me gustan los muebles con demasiados adornos.

I don't like furniture with too many ornaments.

Always Masculine

Even if the decoration is feminine or delicate, the word 'adorno' is always a masculine word (el adorno).

Countable use

Unlike the English word 'decor', which is often a general concept, 'adorno' usually refers to a specific, countable item.

Adorno vs. Decoración

Mistake: “Using 'decoración' for a small trinket on a shelf.”

Correction: Use 'adorno' for individual items and 'decoración' for the overall look of a room or event.

decoración

nounA2general
Use 'decoración' to refer to the overall style or arrangement of decorative elements in a space, or the act of decorating itself.

Examples

La decoración de la fiesta es muy colorida.

The party decoration is very colorful.

Adorno vs. Decoración

Learners often confuse 'adorno' and 'decoración' by using 'adorno' for the entire decorative scheme. Remember that 'adorno' typically refers to a single item, while 'decoración' is the broader concept of decorating or the collective decorative elements.

Related Translations

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