pintalabios
/pintaˈlabjos/masculine
The English word "lipstick" is translated into Spanish as pintalabios. If unsure, use pintalabios. Wiktionary also lists lápiz labial and lápiz de labios.
Meaning: make-up for the lips (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pintalabios | /pintaˈlabjos/ | masculine |
| lápiz labial | /ˌlapiθ laˈbjal/ /ˌlapis laˈbjal/ |
masculine |
| lápiz de labios | /lapiθ de labjos/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /lapis de labjos/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| labial | /laˈbjal/ | masculine |
| carmín | /kaɾˈmin/ | masculine |
| bilé | /bile/ (from spelling rules) | Mexico, masculine |
| rush | /rus/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America, masculine |
| rouge | /rouxe/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| bilet | /bilet/ (from spelling rules) | Mexico, masculine |
| colorete | /koloˈɾete/ | masculine |
All forms of this word refer to make-up for the lips and are masculine nouns.
What does it mean word for word?
pintalabios is a compound of pinta, meaning paints or colors and labios, meaning lips, literally translating to "lip-painter". The term lápiz labial literally means "lip pencil".
Which one should you use?
While carmín literally means "crimson", it is often used to refer to the lipstick itself. Other forms include lápiz de labios, labial, rouge and colorete.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term barra de labios is used. In parts of Mexico, you may hear the regionalisms bilé or bilet. In Latin America, the term rush is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun pintalabios remains the same in both singular and plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/pintaˈlabjos/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word lápiz shares the same Latin root as the English words 'lapidary' and 'lapis lazuli'.
- In Spanish, the word labial functions as both an adjective meaning 'relating to the lips' and a noun meaning 'lipstick'.
- While colorete can mean lipstick, in Spain it is more commonly used to refer to blush for the cheeks.
Examples in context
- Brian compró un pintalabios para Kate.Brian bought some lipstick for Kate.This sentence is useful for showing someone buying a pintalabios.Tatoeba #1868865 by Shishir, translation #502605 by CN
- Él pagó veinte dólares por el pintalabios.He paid $20 for the lipstick.This sentence is useful for describing the price of a pintalabios.Tatoeba #952193 by Shishir, translation #290790 by CK
- Brian ha comprado un pintalabios para Kate.Brian bought a lipstick for Kate.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone has bought a pintalabios.Tatoeba #840898 by Shishir, translation #34298 by Dejo
- Me podrías conseguir un pintalabios rojo.Could you get me a red lipstick?
- No olvides comprar pintalabios antes del evento.Don't forget to buy lipstick before the event.
- Me encanta el nuevo labial que compré.I love the new lipstick I bought.
- No sé qué color de labial usar para la fiesta.I don't know which lipstick color to wear for the party.
- Necesito una barra de labios nueva.I need a new lipstick.
- ¿Tienes un lápiz labial que combine con este vestido?Do you have a lipstick that matches this dress?
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are shopping for cosmetics in a department store.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿me ayudas a elegir un pintalabios?Daniel, can you help me choose a lipstick?
- DanielClaro, Sofía, ¿qué color prefieres?Sure, Sofía, what color do you prefer?
- SofíaCreo que este pintalabios rosa me queda bien.I think this pink lipstick looks good on me.
- DanielSí, te ves muy bien con ese color.Yes, you look very good with that color.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lipstick” translations and entries pintalabios, lápiz labial, lápiz de labios, labial, carmín, colorete, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, labial, lápiz, pintalabios, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
