grafiti
/ɡɾaˈfiti/
The English phrase graffiti is translated into Spanish as grafiti.
grafiti refers to drawings on a public surface. If you want to describe the act of creating graffiti, you can use the verb grafitar. A person who creates graffiti is called a grafitero.
Meaning: drawings on a public surface (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term grafiti is used. In Chile, the term pintadas is used, which specifically refers to painted messages or drawings on walls or the term rayado, which suggests 'scratching' or 'marking' instead of specifically referencing painting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of grafiti is grafitis.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɾaˈfiti/
Did you know?
- The Italian root of grafiti is graffio, which means 'scratch'.
- While grafiti refers to art, the word pintadas in some Spanish-speaking countries specifically implies political slogans or protest messages written on walls.
- Even though it is a borrowed word, grafiti is treated as a masculine noun in Spanish, so you would say el grafiti instead of la grafiti.
Examples in context
- El muro está lleno de grafitis.The wall is covered with graffiti.This sentence shows how to describe a wall covered with grafitis.Tatoeba #1089112 by Shishir, translation #1086389 by shanghainese
- Tom no sabe quién escribió el grafiti en la pared.Tom doesn't know who wrote the graffiti on the wall.This sentence is useful for discussing who wrote the grafiti on a wall.Tatoeba #1439775 by marcelostockle, translation #1026058 by CK
- Carlos hizo un grafiti impresionante en la fachada de un restaurante. Desde entonces a ese restaurante le llueven los clientes y el dueño está encantado.Carlos made some impressive graffiti on the front of a restaurant. Since then the restaurant has been flooded with customers and the owner is delighted.This sentence illustrates the use of grafiti in the context of an impressive work on the facade of a restaurant.Tatoeba #10202140 by Shishir, translation #10203028 by DJ_Saidez
- El graffiti en estas calles es increíble.The graffiti in these streets is amazing.
- Las pintadas en esta área son muy creativas.The graffiti in this area is very creative.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are walking through the city center.
- DanielMira ese grafiti de colores en la pared.Look at that colorful graffiti on the wall.
- MaríaEs muy bonito, parece arte real.It is very beautiful, it looks like real art.
- DanielSí, el grafiti le da vida a la calle.Yes, the graffiti gives life to the street.
- MaríaTienes razón, Daniel.You are right, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “graffiti” translations and entries grafiti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grafiti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
