How to Say "polish" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “polish” is “cera” — use 'cera' when referring to the waxy substance used to polish surfaces like floors, shoes, or cars.
cera
seh-rahˈseɾa
Examples
Usa esta cera para sacar brillo al coche.
Use this wax to polish the car.
Las velas están hechas de cera.
The candles are made of wax.
Tengo que ponerle cera al suelo para que brille.
I have to put wax on the floor so it shines.
Using 'la' with cera
Since 'cera' ends in 'a', it is a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it.
Cera vs. Cerilla
Mistake: “Using 'cera' when you mean a matchstick.”
Correction: Use 'cerilla' for the small stick you use to light a fire. Use 'cera' for the material the match might be coated in.
polaco
po-LAH-kopoˈlako
Examples
Mi vecino es polaco y habla el idioma polaco.
My neighbor is Polish and speaks the Polish language.
Me encanta la comida polaca.
I love Polish food.
Él tiene un pasaporte polaco.
He has a Polish passport.
Visitamos varias ciudades polacas durante el verano.
We visited several Polish cities during the summer.
Match the Gender
In Spanish, describing words must match the thing they describe. Use 'polaco' for masculine items and 'polaca' for feminine items.
Word Order
Unlike in English, you usually put 'polaco' after the thing you are describing. For example: 'vino polaco' instead of 'Polish wine'.
Language gender
Names of languages in Spanish are always masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with 'polaco' when talking about the language.
Using 'en'
To say 'in Polish,' use 'en polaco'. No capital letter is needed.
Capitalization Error
Mistake: “El pan Polaco es rico.”
Correction: El pan polaco es rico.
Adding 'la' to language
Mistake: “Yo hablo la polaca.”
Correction: Yo hablo polaco.
Polish vs. Polish
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