masilla
/maˈsiʝa/
In Spanish, the word for caulk is masilla.
The term masilla is a general word used for various types of putty, filler or caulk used in construction and DIY projects. Depending on the specific material you need, you can specify the type: sellador acrílico for acrylic caulk, sellador de poliuretano for polyurethane caulk or masilla de poliuretano for polyurethane caulk.
Meaning: substance for filling and/or sealing (noun)
Which one should you use?
Masilla de calafateo is a more specialized term used specifically for the substance used to seal joints and gaps.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈsiʝa/
Did you know?
- The word masilla is a diminutive of masa, meaning it literally translates to 'little dough'.
- The specialized term calafateo is rooted in maritime history and specifically refers to the craft of making a ship's hull watertight.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you ask for masilla in an art supply store, you will receive modeling clay for sculpting rather than a sealant for windows.
Examples in context
- Dado que el baño tiene fugas, debo aplicar sellador para sellar las brechas.Since the bathroom is leaking, I need to apply caulk to seal the gaps.
- ¿Me puedes pasar la pistola de sellador?Can you pass me the caulk gun?
- Necesitamos comprar sellador de silicona para las ventanas.We need to buy some silicone caulk for the windows.
- ¡No olvides usar sellador para sellar los bordes de la bañera!Don't forget to use caulk to seal the edges of the bathtub!
- Necesito aplicar la masilla en la grieta.I need to apply the caulk to the crack.
- Necesito comprar un tubo de masilla.I need to buy a tube of caulk.
- La masilla para la ventana es gris.The caulk for the window is gray.
- Aplica la masilla con mucho cuidado.Apply the caulk very carefully.
Example conversation
María and Javier are fixing a leak in the bathroom.
- María¿Tienes la masilla para el fregadero?Do you have the caulk for the sink?
- JavierSí, la tengo en la caja de herramientas.Yes, I have it in the toolbox.
- MaríaPerfecto, Javier, úsala para sellar la grieta.Perfect, Javier, use it to seal the crack.
- JavierLo haré ahora mismo.I will do it right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry masilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries masilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
