plastilina
/plastiˈlina/feminine
The English phrase "modeling clay" is plastilina in Spanish.
Meaning: malleable substance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
plastilina is a feminine noun. When referring to a single piece of modeling clay, you use the feminine article la to say la plastilina. To form the plural, add -s to the end of the word, such as las plastilinas.
How do you pronounce it?
/plastiˈlina/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, plastilina is used as a generic trademark, similar to how 'Kleenex' is used for tissues, because the brand was so dominant in the market.
- In some Latin American countries, children might refer to this substance simply as 'masa', which literally means 'dough'.
- The term plastilina and the English word 'plastic' both derive from the Greek word 'plastikos', meaning 'fit for molding'.
Examples in context
- Hoy, vamos a utilizar arcilla de modelar para hacer figuritas.Today, we will use modeling clay to make little figurines.
- Me gusta jugar con la plastilina.I like to play with modeling clay.
- La plastilina es muy suave.The modeling clay is very soft.
- Necesito comprar plastilina de colores.I need to buy colored modeling clay.
- Los niños juegan con la plastilina.The children are playing with the modeling clay.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are cleaning up after an art project.
- DanielSofía, ¿dónde está la plastilina?Sofía, where is the modeling clay?
- SofíaEstá sobre la mesa, Daniel.It is on the table, Daniel.
- DanielNo veo la plastilina por aquí.I don't see the modeling clay around here.
- SofíaMira detrás de tu cuaderno.Look behind your notebook.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “modeling clay” translations and entries plastilina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
