mate
/ˈmate/
The Spanish word for the English adjective "matte" is mate.
mate is used to describe surfaces that are not reflective of light.
Meaning: not reflective of light (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈmate/.
Did you know?
- The word mate can also be a form of the verb matar, meaning 'to kill'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you ask for a mate in a cafe, you will not receive a dull-surfaced cup, but rather a traditional herbal infusion drunk through a straw.
- In a classroom setting, mate is often used as a casual shorthand for matemáticas, the word for 'mathematics'.
Examples in context
- Me encanta tomar una buena taza de hierba mate por la mañana.I love to have a nice cup of mate tea in the morning.
- ¿Trajiste el cimarrón para tomar mate durante el viaje?Did you bring the cimarrón to have mate during the trip?
- Prefiero el color mate para las paredes.I prefer the matte color for the walls.
- Ese labial es de un acabado mate.That lipstick has a matte finish.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are choosing paint for a room.
- Alejandro¿Quieres pintura brillante o mate?Do you want glossy or matte paint?
- LucíaCreo que el color mate se ve más moderno.I think the matte color looks more modern.
- AlejandroEstoy de acuerdo contigo, Lucía.I agree with you, Lucía.
- LucíaEntonces compraremos la pintura mate.Then we will buy the matte paint.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “matte” translations and entries mate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mate, CC BY-SA 4.0.
