pizarra
/piˈθara/feminine
The English phrase blackboard translates to Spanish as pizarra. Wiktionary also lists encerado and pizarrón.
Meaning: a surface that can be written upon with chalk (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pizarra | /piˈθara/ /piˈsara/ |
feminine |
| encerado | /enθeˈɾado/ /enseˈɾado/ |
masculine |
| pizarrón | /piθaˈron/ /pisaˈron/ |
masculine |
| tablero | /taˈbleɾo/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe a surface that can be written upon with chalk.
Which one should you use?
The feminine form pizarra is the most common term for a blackboard in many Spanish-speaking regions. The masculine form pizarrón is often used to refer to a larger blackboard or a chalkboard in many Latin American countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, pizarra is used for a regular blackboard. The form pizarrón is commonly used in countries like Mexico, Colombia and Argentina.
How do you pronounce it?
/piˈθara/
Did you know?
- Some linguists believe pizarra derived from the Basque pitzarri, a blend of words meaning 'to break into pieces' and 'stone'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, pizarra is used for both traditional chalkboards and modern whiteboards.
- The word pizarra is actually the name of the type of stone used to make the board, which is slate.
Examples in context
- Mira a la pizarra.Look at the blackboard.This sentence is useful for directing someone's attention to the pizarra.Tatoeba #1552886 by marcelostockle, translation #241500 by CK
- La pizarra está en blanco.The blackboard is blank.This sentence is useful for describing the state of the pizarra.Tatoeba #1829553 by marcelostockle, translation #1829575 by marcelostockle
- Lo escribiré en la pizarra.I'll write it on the blackboard.This sentence is useful for stating an intention to write on the pizarra.Tatoeba #445736 by Shishir, translation #254810 by CK
- El profesor escribió en la pizarra para explicar el tema.The teacher wrote on the blackboard to explain the topic.
- La profesora tapó el pizarrón con una cortina para sorprender a los alumnos.The teacher covered the blackboard with a curtain to surprise the students.
- Limpié el tablero con una esponja antes de la clase.I cleaned the blackboard with a sponge before class.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are in a classroom.
- MaríaJavier, borra la pizarra, por favor.Javier, erase the blackboard, please.
- JavierSí, María, lo hago ahora mismo.Yes, María, I'll do it right now.
- MaríaNecesito espacio en la pizarra para el dibujo.I need space on the blackboard for the drawing.
- JavierYa está limpia y lista.It is already clean and ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blackboard” translations and entries pizarra, encerado, pizarrón, tablero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pizarra, pizarrón, tablero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
