salpicadero
/salpikaˈdeɾo/masculine
The English word backsplash is translated into Spanish as salpicadero.
salpicadero refers to a wall covering. However, be aware that in many Spanish-speaking regions, this word is more commonly used in the context of automotive dashboards.
Meaning: wall covering (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, salpicadero is the standard term for a car's dashboard, which can lead to confusion if you are specifically referring to a kitchen backsplash.
How does it change in a sentence?
salpicadero is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/salpikaˈdeɾo/
Did you know?
- While 'salpicadero' is used for a kitchen backsplash, in many Latin American countries, people prefer to use 'protector de salpicaduras' or simply 'azulejos' to avoid the automotive connotation.
- The suffix -dero in salpicadero comes from the Latin -tōrium, which was used to designate a place where a specific activity occurred.
- While English uses the 'back' in 'backsplash' to describe the location, Spanish focuses on the 'splash' itself through the root salpic-.
Examples in context
- Ese protector de la pared de la cocina evitará manchas molestas.That wall protector in the kitchen will prevent annoying stains.
- El salpicadero de la cocina es de azulejos.The kitchen backsplash is made of tiles.
- Necesitamos limpiar el salpicadero después de cocinar.We need to clean the backsplash after cooking.
- Ese salpicadero combina muy bien con la encimera.That backsplash goes very well with the countertop.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are looking at kitchen renovation samples.
- Alejandro¿Te gusta este salpicadero para la cocina?Do you like this backsplash for the kitchen?
- ElenaSí, a mí me encanta el color.Yes, I love the color.
- AlejandroEs un salpicadero muy fácil de limpiar.It is a very easy-to-clean backsplash.
- ElenaEntonces, vamos a comprarlo ahora mismo.Then, let's buy it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “backsplash” translations and entries salpicadero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salpicadero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
