Inklingo

How to Say "glue" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pegamento

peh-gah-MEN-tohpeɣaˈmento

nounA1general
Use this general term for any adhesive substance used for sticking things together, like in crafts or repairs.
A white glue bottle with an orange cap standing upright on a wooden table.

Examples

Necesito un poco de pegamento para arreglar este juguete.

I need some glue to fix this toy.

El niño usa pegamento en barra para su tarea de arte.

The boy uses a glue stick for his art homework.

Este pegamento es extra fuerte y seca muy rápido.

This glue is extra strong and dries very fast.

Masculine Gender

The word is masculine, so always use 'el' or 'un' with it (el pegamento).

Making it Plural

To talk about different types of glue, just add an 's' at the end: 'los pegamentos'.

Glue as a Verb

Mistake: “Yo pegamento el papel.”

Correction: Yo pego el papel. (In Spanish, 'pegamento' is only the noun; the verb for 'to glue' or 'to stick' is 'pegar').

cola

KOH-lahˈko.la

nounB1general
This term refers specifically to a strong adhesive substance, often used for more robust gluing tasks like fixing wood.
A bottle of white liquid glue dripping a blob onto colorful paper.

Examples

Usa esta cola fuerte para fijar la madera rota.

Use this strong glue to fix the broken wood.

Compramos un bote grande de cola blanca para el proyecto escolar.

We bought a large jar of white glue for the school project.

Confusing Nouns

Mistake: “Using 'pegamento' when referring specifically to certain types of liquid glue common in crafts (where 'cola' is often preferred).”

Correction: While 'pegamento' is always correct for 'glue,' 'cola' is very common for standard white glue or woodworking adhesive.

pega

PEH-gahˈpe.ɣa

nounA2informal
Use this informal term for a small amount of adhesive substance needed for a quick fix, like when a mug breaks.
A simple, open bottle of white liquid adhesive glue, with a large drop hanging from the nozzle, ready to fall.

Examples

Se me rompió la taza, ¿tienes un poco de pega?

My mug broke, do you have some glue?

Esta pega es muy fuerte y seca rápido.

This adhesive is very strong and dries quickly.

Feminine Noun

Remember that 'pega' is feminine, so you always use 'la pega' or 'una pega'.

chicle

CHEE-klehˈtʃikle

nounB2informal
This word is used metaphorically to describe a person who is very clingy and follows someone everywhere, like chewing gum sticks to you.
A small puppy following a person's heels very closely.

Examples

Mi hermano pequeño es un chicle, me sigue a todas partes.

My little brother is so clingy, he follows me everywhere.

Using 'Ser'

When describing someone as clingy with this word, always use the verb 'ser' (to be) because it's considered a personality trait or a consistent behavior.

Literal vs. Metaphorical Use

The most common mistake is using 'chicle' for the adhesive substance. Remember that 'chicle' is only used metaphorically for someone who is clingy. Stick to 'pegamento', 'cola', or 'pega' for actual glue.

Related Translations

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