Inklingo

How to Say "prints" in Spanish

English → Spanish

huellas

WEY-yahssˈwe.ʝas

nounA1general
Use 'huellas' when referring to the physical marks or impressions left by something, such as footprints, fingerprints, or tire tracks.
A line of deep human footprints impressed into smooth, wet sand on a beach leading toward the horizon.

Examples

Las huellas en la arena demuestran que alguien caminó por aquí.

The footprints in the sand show that someone walked here.

El detective encontró huellas dactilares en el vaso.

The detective found fingerprints on the glass.

Las huellas de las ruedas son muy profundas en el barro.

The tire tracks are very deep in the mud.

Always Plural for Physical Evidence

Even if you are talking about the mark left by just one foot, Spanish usually prefers the plural form 'huellas' when referring to tracks or prints.

Sounding the 'H'

Mistake: “Hoo-eh-yahss”

Correction: Remember that the 'h' in Spanish is silent. Pronounce it starting with the 'u' sound: WEY-yahss.

estampa

es-TAM-pahesˈtampa

verbB1general
Use 'estampa' (from the verb 'estampar') when referring to the action of stamping, imprinting, or printing something, like a signature or a design.
A hand pressing a wooden stamp onto a piece of paper to leave a mark.

Examples

Él estampa su firma en el contrato.

He stamps his signature on the contract.

La máquina estampa el logo en las camisetas.

The machine prints the logo on the t-shirts.

Estampa el sello con cuidado.

Stamp the seal carefully.

Present Tense Pattern

The form 'estampa' is both the 'he/she' form and the command form for 'tú'. context tells you if it's a statement or an order.

Action vs. Result

Learners often confuse 'estampa' and 'huellas' by not distinguishing between the action of printing and the resulting marks. Remember, 'estampar' is the verb for the act of making a print, while 'huellas' are the physical impressions left behind.

Related Translations

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