tíner
/tineɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase lacquer thinner is expressed in Spanish as tíner.
The term refers to a strong solvent used to dissolve lacquer or clean paint brushes.
Which one should you use?
The most straightforward translation for lacquer thinner is disolvente de barniz.
Is it said differently in some regions?
tíner is a common anglicism used in many Latin American countries.
How do you pronounce it?
/tineɾ/
Did you know?
- The word tíner is a phonetic adaptation of the English 'thinner', which is why it carries a written accent on the 'i' to maintain the correct stress in Spanish.
- In some regions, people may use the word aguarrás to refer to a similar solvent, even though it traditionally describes a more specific type of turpentine.
- While tíner is an anglicism, it is often used in Latin America to describe any strong, generic solvent, even those that are not technically paint thinners.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar un poco de tíner.I need to buy some lacquer thinner.
- Usa el tíner para limpiar los pinceles.Use the lacquer thinner to clean the brushes.
- El tíner es muy fuerte.The lacquer thinner is very strong.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are working in a workshop.
- Alejandro¿Tienes un poco de tíner?Do you have some lacquer thinner?
- LucíaSí, está en el estante.Yes, it is on the shelf.
- AlejandroGracias, voy a limpiar mis herramientas.Thanks, I am going to clean my tools.
- LucíaTen cuidado con el olor.Be careful with the smell.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tíner, CC BY-SA 4.0.
