Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| laminar | /lamiˈnaɾ/ | Central America |
| emplasticar | /emplastikaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| plasticar | /plastikaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Cuba, Guatemala |
| enmicar | /emmiˈkaɾ/ | Mexico |
The primary meaning is to cover in protective plastic. In technical contexts, the verb can also mean to form something into thin layers. If you wish to describe the material formed of thin sheets, you can use the noun laminado.
Which one should you use?
While laminar is the standard term, it can also mean to form something into thin layers in technical contexts. In Mexico, enmicar is the most common way to express the idea of laminating.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, enmicar is the most common way to say 'to laminate', derived from the word mica (celluloid/plastic sheet). In Cuba and Guatemala, you may hear plasticar. In Central America, laminar is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle laminado is used as an adjective to describe the finished product, such as papel laminado (laminated paper).
How do you pronounce it?
/lamiˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- If you use the verb laminar in a bakery, you are not protecting a document. In a culinary context, it refers to the process of folding dough to create thin, even layers, such as in a croissant.
- In Mexico, the common verb enmicar uses a word for plastic that actually refers to a mineral. The word mica is the same word used for the shiny mineral mica, illustrating how common materials are often named after their physical properties.
- The word lámina is used to describe both a thin sheet of plastic and a heavy sheet of metal, such as the corrugated iron used for roofing.
Examples in context
- El carpintero va a enchapar la mesaThe carpenter is going to laminate the table
- Voy a forrar mi cuaderno con plásticoI'm going to laminate my notebook with plastic
- María va a enchapar el suelo de su casa con laminado nuevo.María is going to laminate the floor of her house with new laminate.
- Vamos a forrar los libros con papel adhesivo para proteger las tapas.We are going to laminate the books with adhesive paper to protect the covers.
- Voy a laminar este documento importante.I am going to laminate this important document.
- Necesito laminar mi identificación nueva.I need to laminate my new ID.
- ¿Puedes laminar estas tarjetas de estudio?Can you laminate these study cards?
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are at a print shop.
- DanielSofía, ¿podemos laminar estas fotos aquí?Sofía, can we laminate these photos here?
- SofíaSí, Daniel, parece un buen lugar.Yes, Daniel, it looks like a good place.
- DanielQuiero laminar todo para que no se dañe.I want to laminate everything so it doesn't get damaged.
- SofíaEs una idea muy inteligente.That is a very smart idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “laminate” translations and entries laminar, emplasticar, plasticar, enmicar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
