quitaesmalte
/kitaesˈmalte/masculine
Nail polish remover in Spanish is quitaesmalte.
The term refers to the solvent used to remove nail polish.
Meaning: solvent used to remove nail polish (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word quitaesmalte is a compound formed by the verb quitar (to remove) and esmalte (enamel/polish), literally meaning remover of nail polish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, quitaesmalte is more commonly used. In Latin America, removedor de esmalte is the most common term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun. The plural form is quitaesmaltes.
How do you pronounce it?
/kitaesˈmalte/
Did you know?
- The word esmalte describes both a beauty product and the hard coating on teeth. Consequently, the same word is used by both manicurists and dentists.
- In several Spanish-speaking countries, you can ask for acetona instead of quitaesmalte. This is a case of a specific chemical ingredient becoming the common name for the entire product.
- Spanish uses many 'verb-object' compounds like quitaesmalte to name tools. Other examples include quitamanchas for stain remover and abrelatas for a can opener.
Examples in context
- El quitaesmalte apesta un montón.Nail polish remover stinks a lot.This sentence is useful for noting that the quitaesmalte has a strong smell.Tatoeba #1669153 by teskmon, translation #469561 by FeuDRenais
- Disculpe, ¿sabría dónde puedo encontrar removedor de esmalte?Excuse me, do you know where I can find nail polish remover?
- Necesito comprar un quitaesmalte de buena calidad.I need to buy a good-quality nail polish remover.
- ¿Alguien tiene removedor? Me hizo falta para arreglarme las uñas.Does anyone have nail polish remover? I needed it to do my nails.
- Necesito un quitaesmalte nuevo.I need a new nail polish remover.
- ¿Dónde está el quitaesmalte?Where is the nail polish remover?
Example conversation
Sofía is looking for a beauty product in the bathroom.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿viste mi quitaesmalte?Daniel, did you see my nail polish remover?
- DanielNo, pero lo busco contigo.No, but I will look for it with you.
- SofíaCreo que está en el cajón.I think it is in the drawer.
- DanielAh, aquí está el frasco.Ah, here is the bottle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nail polish remover” translations and entries quitaesmalte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
