What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of uñas (nails) and acrílicas (acrylic).
Which one should you use?
While uñas acrílicas is the standard term, you may also use uñas de acrílico to mean nails made of acrylic. In some contexts, the colloquial term Uñas de Porcelana is used interchangeably with acrylic nails.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In México, Uñas Acrílicas is the commonly used term. In some regions of Colombia, the term Uñas Esculpidas is used to refer to both acrylic and gel nails. In Spain, some speakers use Uñas de Gel to refer to all types of artificial nails, including acrylics. Additionally, Spaniards may sometimes use Uñas de Porcelana to refer to acrylic nails.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because uñas is a feminine plural noun, the adjective must also be feminine plural: acrílicas. To refer to a single acrylic nail, use the singular form uña acrílica.
How do you pronounce it?
/uɲas akɾilikas/
Did you know?
- The word uñas shares a distant linguistic root with the English word 'onyx', as both refer to the hard surface of a nail or stone.
- When talking about the act of applying these nails, many Spanish speakers use the verb 'poner', as in 'ponerse las uñas'. This literally means 'to put on the nails' rather than 'to apply' them.
- In some Latin American contexts, referring to uñas esculpidas implies a higher level of craftsmanship and a more expensive service than standard uñas acrílicas.
Examples in context
- Me hice uñas de acrílico en el salón de belleza y el resultado fue fantástico.I got acrylic nails at the beauty salon, and the result was fantastic.
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una buena manicura de acrílico en esta área?Where can I find a good acrylic manicure in this area?
- Soy fanática de las uñas postizas. Las uñas de porcelana son mi opción favorita.I'm a big fan of false nails. Porcelain nails are my favorite option.
- Ella siempre lleva uñas acrílicas.She always wears acrylic nails.
- Me gustaría ponerme uñas acrílicas.I would like to get acrylic nails.
- Las uñas acrílicas son muy resistentes.Acrylic nails are very resistant.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are talking about her new manicure.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿son uñas acrílicas?Sofía, are those acrylic nails?
- SofíaSí, me las puse ayer.Yes, I got them yesterday.
- AlejandroEl color rojo les queda muy bien.The red color looks great on them.
- SofíaGracias, me encantan mis uñas acrílicas.Thanks, I love my acrylic nails.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
