encaje
/enˈkaxe/masculine
The English word lace is translated into Spanish as encaje. Wiktionary also lists blonda and puntilla.
Meaning: fabric (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| encaje | /enˈkaxe/ | masculine |
| blonda | /ˈblonda/ | feminine |
| puntilla | /punˈtiʝa/ | feminine |
The term refers to the fabric known as lace.
Which one should you use?
encaje is the most common and general term for lace fabric. In contrast, blonda refers specifically to a type of lace trim or braid used for edging garments, while puntilla refers to a smaller, often more delicate or fine lace trim or frill.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, particularly in Andalusia, blonda may be used as a regional variation for lace.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the masculine noun encaje is encajes. The plural form of the feminine noun blonda is blondas, and the plural form of the feminine noun puntilla is puntillas.
How do you pronounce it?
/enˈkaxe/
Did you know?
- The term blonda is often used in Spanish to describe a specific type of absorbent paper doily used under coffee cups, rather than just clothing.
- In some traditional Spanish crafts, the process of making encaje is associated with the bolillos technique, where lace is woven using small wooden bobbins.
- The word encaje can be used to describe the 'fit' of a puzzle piece or a mechanical part, using the same word for lace.
Examples in context
- Compré cortinas de encaje para la ventana de mi dormitorio.I bought lace curtains for my bedroom window.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use encaje to describe curtains.Tatoeba #1703123 by marcelostockle, translation #258771 by CK
- Estaba encajada entre una dama robusta en seda rosa y una chica alta, de aspecto despreciativo, con un vestido de encaje blanco.She was wedged in between a stout lady in pink silk and a tall, scornful-looking girl in a white-lace dress.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use encaje in a description of a dress.Tatoeba #5862183 by albrusgher, translation #5838165 by Hybrid
- El traje estaba adornado con puntillas.The dress was trimmed with lace.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use puntilla to describe dress trim.Tatoeba #2259310 by carlosalberto, translation #2259309 by _undertoad
- La novia llevaba un vestido de encaje blanco.The bride wore a white lace dress.
- La mantilla lleva una blonda muy bonita.The mantilla has a beautiful lace trim.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are looking at a vintage dress in a boutique.
- DanielEste vestido tiene un encaje muy fino.This dress has very fine lace.
- LucíaSí, el encaje es precioso.Yes, the lace is beautiful.
- Daniel¿Crees que combina con tu falda?Do you think it matches your skirt?
- LucíaNo, la falda no tiene nada de encaje.No, the skirt doesn't have any lace.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lace” translations and entries encaje, blonda, puntilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
