grabado
/ɡɾaˈbado/
The English phrase "etched" is translated into Spanish as grabado.
It is the past participle of the verb grabar, which means to etch or to engrave.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use grabada for feminine nouns, grabados for masculine plural nouns and grabadas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɾaˈbado/
Did you know?
- Because grabar is the standard word for digital recording, a modern technician and an ancient sculptor would use the exact same verb to describe their work.
- The English word 'grave' has a surprising connection to grabar, as both are thought to stem from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to scratch' or 'to dig'.
- When discussing computer science, a 'burned' CD is often described in Spanish using the verb grabar, as if the data were being 'etched' into the disc.
Examples in context
- El grabado en esta joya es excepcional.The engraving on this piece of jewelry is exceptional.
- Admiro el cincelado de esta estatua.I admire the carving on this statue.
- El vidrio de la ventana está arañado.The window glass is etched/scratched.
- El nombre está grabado en el anillo.The name is etched on the ring.
- Tiene un diseño grabado en la madera.It has an etched design on the wood.
- El dibujo está grabado en el metal.The drawing is etched on the metal.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are looking at a trophy in a display case.
- ElenaMira este trofeo, es muy bonito.Look at this trophy, it is very beautiful.
- JavierSí, me gusta el detalle grabado en la base.Yes, I like the etched detail on the base.
- Elena¿Crees que sea de plata?Do you think it is made of silver?
- JavierParece que sí, Javier cree que es plata.It seems so, Javier thinks it is silver.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry grabado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grabado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
