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How to Say "imprint" in Spanish

English → Spanish

grabar

/grah-BAHR//ɡraˈβaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'grabar' when 'imprint' means to impress something deeply into one's memory or mind, making it unforgettable.
A simple illustration of a stylized human head profile. Inside the head, a bright, glowing star shape is fixed in the center, representing a permanent memory.

Examples

Esa imagen se grabó en mi mente para siempre.

That image was imprinted on my mind forever.

Sus palabras de aliento se grabaron en el corazón de los niños.

His words of encouragement were etched into the children's hearts.

Using 'Se' for Emotion

This meaning often uses the passive 'se' construction ('se grabó') to emphasize that the memory happened to the person, rather than them actively doing the action.

sello

SEH-yoh/ˈse.ʝo/

nounB1general
Use 'sello' when 'imprint' refers to a physical mark left by a stamp or seal, or figuratively, a distinct characteristic or brand.
A clear, circular red wax impression pressed onto a piece of parchment, showing a distinct official crest design.

Examples

El abogado certificó el contrato con su sello.

The lawyer certified the contract with his seal.

Asegúrate de que la caja tenga el sello de seguridad intacto.

Make sure the box has the security seal intact.

Tuvimos que esperar a que pusieran el sello oficial en nuestro pasaporte.

We had to wait for them to put the official stamp on our passport.

La banda lanzó su nuevo álbum bajo un sello independiente.

The band released their new album under an independent record label.

Actions related to 'Sello'

The action of applying the seal is 'poner un sello' (to put a seal) or 'estampar un sello' (to stamp a seal).

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'sello' means a distinctive characteristic or quality that defines someone or something, like an artistic style or personal touch.

Memory vs. Physical Mark

Learners often confuse 'grabar' (to impress in memory) with 'sello' (a physical mark or brand). Remember that 'grabar' is about mental impression, while 'sello' relates to something tangible or a distinct identity.

Related Translations

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