Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| polvoriento | /polboˈɾjento/ |
| polvoroso | /polboˈɾoso/ |
The term is used to describe things that are covered with dust. A literal way to express this concept is the phrase cubierto de polvo.
What does it mean word for word?
The word polvoriento is derived from the noun polvo (dust) and the suffix -iento, which denotes a state of being filled with or characterized by something.
Which one should you use?
While both polvoriento and polvoroso mean "dusty", they are used in different contexts. Polvoriento usually describes an object that is covered in a layer of dust. In contrast, polvoroso often describes something that produces or generates dust, such as a powdery substance or a dry road.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use polvorientos for masculine plural nouns and polvorientas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/polboˈɾjento/
Did you know?
- In common slang, the word polvo is used in the phrase echar un polvo to refer to having sex.
- The word polvareda does not just describe a cloud of dust, but can also metaphorically describe a huge commotion or a noisy argument.
- The adjective polvoroso is a close relative of the word pólvora, which means 'gunpowder'.
Examples in context
- El libro está polvoriento.The book is dusty.This sentence shows how to use polvoriento to describe a single masculine noun.Tatoeba #10273430 by manufrutos, translation #10264935 by ddnktr
- Los libros están polvorientos.The books are dusty.This sentence demonstrates the masculine plural form polvorientos.Tatoeba #10060818 by manufrutos, translation #10060007 by ddnktr
- Los muebles estaban polvorientos.The furniture was dusty.Tatoeba #1160608 by marcelostockle, translation #24105 by CK
- La antigua biblioteca estaba completamente polvorienta.The old library was completely dusty.
- Después de años sin uso, el sótano estaba empolvado.After years of disuse, the basement was dusty.
- El viejo almacén estaba lleno de cajas polvosas.The old warehouse was full of dusty boxes.
- Después de la construcción, el piso estaba cubierto de polvo.After the construction, the floor was dusty.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are cleaning an old attic.
- DanielEste baúl está muy polvoriento.This trunk is very dusty.
- SofíaTienes razón, Daniel. Necesitamos un trapo.You are right, Daniel. We need a rag.
- DanielTodo en este cuarto es polvoriento.Everything in this room is dusty.
- SofíaVoy a buscar la aspiradora, Sofía.I am going to look for the vacuum, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dusty” translations and entries polvoriento, polvoroso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries polvoroso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
