Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cepillo | /θeˈpiʝo/ | masculine |
| pincel | /pinˈθel/ /pinˈsel/ |
masculine |
| escobilla | /eskoˈbiʝa/ | feminine |
| brocha | /ˈbɾot͡ʃa/ | feminine |
| bruza | /bɾuθa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /bɾusa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
Spanish uses different nouns to distinguish the function and size of the brush. cepillo is the general-purpose term for items like hairbrushes or scrubbing brushes, while pincel refers to fine-tipped brushes for art and brocha refers to larger, sturdier brushes for painting surfaces or applying makeup. escobilla is used for small, often cylindrical scrubbing brushes. Related verbs include cepillar or acepillar for the act of cleaning with a brush, and aplicar, brochear or brochar for the act of applying something.
Which one should you use?
Use pincel specifically for fine-tipped brushes used in painting or delicate artwork. Use cepillo for general-purpose brushes such as hairbrushes or toothbrushes. Use brocha for larger, sturdier brushes like those used for painting walls or applying makeup. Use escobilla for small, often cylindrical brushes used for scrubbing or cleaning specific areas.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/θeˈpiʝo/
Did you know?
- The word brocha can be used figuratively in some regions to describe something done in a broad or imprecise manner, similar to the English 'broad strokes'.
- The Spanish word pincel is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'pencil'.
- A small scrubbing brush, known as an escobilla, is literally a 'little broom' in Spanish, combining escoba with a diminutive suffix.
Examples in context
- Me cepillo los dientes.I brush my teeth.This sentence shows how to use the verb form related to the noun cepillo for dental hygiene.Tatoeba #1676369 by Shishir, translation #526275 by mutskt
- Compré una brocha acrílica.I bought an acrylic brush.This sentence demonstrates the use of the noun brocha in a commercial context.Tatoeba #14049865 by Eremon, translation #11958747 by Amastan
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar un cepillo?Where can I buy a brush?This sentence shows how to ask for a cepillo in a shop.Tatoeba #2259903 by cueyayotl, translation #2259902 by _undertoad
- ¿Dónde está el cepillo de pelo?Where is the hairbrush?
- Necesito una brocha nueva para pintar.I need a new brush for painting.
- Mi hijo utiliza el cepillito para peinarse.My son uses the little brush to comb his hair.
- Estoy pintando un cuadro con la brochita que me regalaste.I'm painting a picture with the little brush you gave me.
- Me olvidé mi cepillo de dientes en casa. ¿Tienes un cepillo extra que pueda usar?I forgot my toothbrush at home. Do you have an extra brush I could use?
- ¿Dónde compraste esa brocha tan buena para pintar?Where did you buy that brush that's so good for painting?
- Mi sobrina siempre lleva consigo un cepillito en su mochila.My niece always carries a little brush in her backpack.
- Juan está usando la brochita para pintar los detalles del cuadro.Juan is using the little brush to paint the details of the painting.
- Voy a comprar un pincel nuevo para pintar.I'm going to buy a new brush to paint.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are in the bathroom getting ready.
- Lucía¿Tienes un cepillo de pelo?Do you have a hairbrush?
- DanielSí, está sobre el lavabo.Yes, it is on the sink.
- LucíaGracias, Daniel.Thanks, Daniel.
- DanielDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brush” translations and entries cepillo, pincel, escobilla, brocha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brocha, cepillo, escobilla, pincel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
