cal
/ˈkal/
The Spanish word for limescale is cal.
In many Spanish-speaking contexts, cal is used to describe both the chemical substance lime and the hard water deposits found in kettles or pipes.
Meaning: chalky deposit (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cal is a common term, Sarro is another word used to refer to limescale.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkal/
Did you know?
- While cal refers to the mineral itself, sarro is often used specifically for the buildup on teeth, meaning 'tartar' in an English dental context.
- In Spain, the term cal is closely linked to the traditional practice of 'blanqueo', where walls are coated in lime to disinfect them and reflect heat.
- The Greek origin of cal, which refers to a 'pebble', reveals that the word's history is actually about the texture of small stones rather than just the chemical properties.
Examples in context
- Necesitamos encontrar un producto efectivo para eliminar el sarro de las tuberías.We need to find an effective product to remove limescale from the pipes.
- Evitar la acumulación de sarroPrevent the accumulation of limescale
- Utilizar productos anticalUse limescale removal products
- El sarro da un aspecto blanquecino a las superficiesLimescale gives surfaces a whitish appearance
- El sarro dificulta el correcto funcionamiento de los electrodomésticosLimescale hampers the proper functioning of appliances
- Es necesario eliminar el sarro para evitar obstruccionesIt is necessary to remove limescale to prevent blockages
- ¿Puedes recomendarme un producto eficaz contra el sarro?Can you recommend an effective product against limescale?
- ¿Conoces algún truco casero para eliminar la cal?Do you know any home remedy to remove limescale?
- Hay mucha cal en la tetera.There is a lot of limescale in the kettle.
- El grifo tiene una capa de cal.The faucet has a layer of limescale.
- Necesito limpiar la cal de la ducha.I need to clean the limescale from the shower.
Example conversation
In the kitchen while cleaning.
- Daniel¿Ves esa mancha blanca en el vaso?Do you see that white stain on the glass?
- SofíaSí, es pura cal por el agua dura.Yes, it is pure limescale from the hard water.
- DanielSofía, ¿tienes algún producto para quitarla?Sofía, do you have any product to remove it?
- SofíaTengo un spray que funciona muy bien.I have a spray that works very well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
