pulido
/puˈlido/
The English phrase 'buffing' is translated into Spanish as pulido.
pulido refers to the process of polishing a surface to make it smooth and shiny. To describe the action of buffing itself, you would use the verb pulir.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase sacar lustre is commonly used to express 'buffing'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word pulido can function as both a noun meaning 'the polish/buffing' and as a past participle meaning 'polished'.
How do you pronounce it?
/puˈlido/
Did you know?
- The phrase sacar lustre can be used figuratively to describe someone who is trying to make their achievements look more impressive than they actually are.
- While pulido describes a shiny surface, the word pulcritud derives from the same root to describe a person's extreme neatness and cleanliness.
- While pulido describes the physical act of buffing, the word can also be used metaphorically to describe a person's refined manners or a highly sophisticated piece of writing.
Examples in context
- Los expertos pulieron el suelo de mármol hasta que quedó brillante.The experts buffed the marble floor until it was shiny.
- El personal de limpieza abrillantó todas las ventanas del edificio.The cleaning staff buffed all the windows of the building.
- Voy a darle brillo a mis zapatos antes de la fiesta.I'm going to buff my shoes before the party.
- Después de lavar el auto, decidí lustrarlo para que se vea más reluciente.After washing the car, I decided to buff it so it looks more shiny.
- El zapatero sacó lustre a mis zapatos de cuero.The shoemaker buffed my leather shoes.
- El pulido de la carrocería le dio un brillo increíble.The buffing of the car body gave it an incredible shine.
- El pulido de la mesa es excelente.The polishing of the table is excellent.
- El proceso de pulido es muy lento.The buffing process is very slow.
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at a piece of furniture in a workshop.
- Javier¿Te gusta el acabado de esta madera?Do you like the finish of this wood?
- MaríaSí, el pulido es muy suave.Yes, the buffing is very smooth.
- JavierGracias, trabajé mucho en el pulido.Thank you, I worked a lot on the buffing.
- MaríaSe nota mucho tu esfuerzo, Javier.Your effort is very noticeable, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pulido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
