Inklingo

How to Say "engraving" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “engraving” is “grabado” — use 'grabado' when referring to the finished artwork created by etching or carving, such as a print from a plate or a carved image.

grabado🔊B1

Use 'grabado' when referring to the finished artwork created by etching or carving, such as a print from a plate or a carved image.

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estampa🔊A2

Use 'estampa' specifically for an artistic print, often religious or decorative, that has been produced from a plate or block.

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grabando🔊B1

Use 'grabando' to describe the ongoing action or process of carving or etching a design onto a surface.

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inscripciónB1

Use 'inscripción' when the engraving consists specifically of words or a text cut into a hard surface like metal or stone.

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talla🔊B2

Use 'talla' for detailed artistic work that involves carving, especially three-dimensional sculptures or decorative elements.

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grabaciónB1

Use 'grabación' to refer to the process of recording sound, which is its most common meaning; its use for 'engraving' is rare.

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English → Spanish

grabado

gra-BAH-dohɡɾaˈβaðo

nounB1
Use 'grabado' when referring to the finished artwork created by etching or carving, such as a print from a plate or a carved image.
A close-up view of a square copper plate with a highly detailed illustration of a single stylized oak tree carved deeply into the surface.

Examples

El museo exhibe una colección de grabados de Goya.

The museum exhibits a collection of Goya's prints/engravings.

Este grabado antiguo vale miles de euros.

This old engraving is worth thousands of euros.

A Piece of Art

When 'grabado' refers to the artwork itself, it is always a masculine noun: 'un grabado' (an engraving).

estampa

es-TAM-pahesˈtampa

nounA2
Use 'estampa' specifically for an artistic print, often religious or decorative, that has been produced from a plate or block.
A small, colorful printed picture of a bright flower on a square piece of paper.

Examples

Mi abuela guarda una estampa de la Virgen en su cartera.

My grandmother keeps a print of the Virgin in her purse.

El libro tiene una estampa antigua de la ciudad.

The book has an old engraving of the city.

De niño coleccionaba estampas de animales.

As a child, I used to collect animal prints/cards.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-a' and follows the usual pattern, remember to always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Estampa vs. Estampado

Mistake: “Me gusta la estampa de tu camisa.”

Correction: Me gusta el estampado de tu camisa.

grabando

grah-BAHN-dohɡɾaˈban̪d̪o

verb (gerund)B1
Use 'grabando' to describe the ongoing action or process of carving or etching a design onto a surface.
A detailed illustration of a hand using an engraving tool to carve a geometric pattern into a wooden surface.

Examples

El joyero está grabando las iniciales en el anillo.

The jeweler is engraving the initials on the ring.

Están grabando un mensaje en la piedra para la historia.

They are carving a message into the stone for history.

Same Form, Different Meaning

Notice how 'grabando' uses the exact same form for both 'recording a video' and 'engraving a surface.' Context is key to knowing which meaning is intended.

inscripción

nounB1
Use 'inscripción' when the engraving consists specifically of words or a text cut into a hard surface like metal or stone.

Examples

El anillo tiene una inscripción que dice 'siempre juntos'.

The ring has an inscription that says 'always together'.

talla

TAH-yahˈtaʎa

nounB2
Use 'talla' for detailed artistic work that involves carving, especially three-dimensional sculptures or decorative elements.
A detailed but simple wooden carving of a stylized bird resting on a small block of wood, showing the texture of the carving.

Examples

La iglesia está llena de tallas de madera antiguas.

The church is full of ancient wooden carvings (sculptures).

El diamante tiene una talla perfecta que refleja la luz.

The diamond has a perfect cut that reflects the light.

Connection to the Verb

This meaning comes directly from the verb 'tallar,' which means 'to carve' or 'to cut.' 'Talla' is the resulting object or the act itself.

grabación

nounB1
Use 'grabación' to refer to the process of recording sound, which is its most common meaning; its use for 'engraving' is rare.

Examples

La grabación de su nuevo álbum duró seis meses.

The recording (process) of their new album lasted six months.

Artwork vs. Action

Learners often confuse 'grabado' (the artwork) with 'grabando' (the action of engraving). Remember that 'grabado' is the noun for the finished piece, while 'grabando' is the present participle describing the ongoing process.

Related Translations

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