dibujo
/diˈbuxo/
The English word "drawing" is translated into Spanish as dibujo.
dibujo refers to the act of producing a picture or the finished piece of art itself. If you wish to use the verb form meaning "to draw", you should use dibujar.
Meaning: act of producing a picture (noun)
Which one should you use?
While dibujo is the standard term, you might use croquis when referring specifically to a sketch or a preliminary drawing in artistic contexts. For a more formal way to say illustration, use ilustración. In highly specific technical or scientific settings, the phrase representación gráfica may be used to describe a drawing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain and several Latin American countries, the term dibujo técnico is frequently used when specifically referring to technical drawings, plans or schematics.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of dibujo is dibujos.
How do you pronounce it?
/diˈbuxo/
Did you know?
- The word dibujo is also used in Spanish to refer to an 'animated cartoon'. If someone says they are watching dibujos animados, they are watching cartoons.
- The word dibujo comes from the same root as the Spanish word dibujar, which shares an ancestor with the concept of 'to fashion' or 'to shape' something.
- While 'drawing' is a common hobby, in Spanish, the term dibujo is also a specific school subject, much like 'geometry' or 'art'.
Examples in context
- El dibujo es malo.The drawing is bad.This sentence is useful for describing the quality of a dibujo.Tatoeba #5650212 by albrusgher, translation #1395946 by NamaeNoSaikuru
- ¿Te gusta este dibujo?Do you like this drawing?This sentence is useful for asking an opinion about a dibujo.Tatoeba #4886556 by wallebot, translation #1347541 by CM
- Está haciendo un dibujo.He is drawing a picture.This sentence is useful for describing the action of making a dibujo.Tatoeba #535233 by Shishir, translation #294703 by CK
- El museo alberga una increíble colección de dibujos renacentistas.The museum houses an incredible collection of Renaissance drawings.
- Mi hermana es una talentosa artista de ilustraciones.My sister is a talented illustration artist.
- Mi sobrino siempre hace garabatos en sus cuadernos.My nephew always doodles in his notebooks.
- Realicé un croquis antes de comenzar la pintura final.I made a sketch before starting the final painting.
- ¡Necesito una regla para hacer este dibujo técnico!I need a ruler to make this technical drawing!
- Me encanta ver los bocetos de los artistas antes de sus obras finales.I love seeing artists' sketches before their final works.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking at a sketchbook in a cafe.
- MateoEste dibujo es increíble, Sofía.This drawing is incredible, Sofía.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo. Me tomó mucho tiempo.Thanks, Mateo. It took me a long time.
- Mateo¿Podrías enseñarme cómo hacer un dibujo así?Could you show me how to make a drawing like that?
- SofíaClaro, podemos practicar juntos mañana.Sure, we can practice together tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dibujo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dibujo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
