pincel
/pinˈθel/masculine
The English word paintbrush is pincel in Spanish.
The word pincel refers to a thin brush. In more informal settings, you may hear the diminutive pincelito to mean a little paintbrush.
Meaning: thin brush (noun)
Which one should you use?
While pincel refers to a thin paintbrush used for detail or art, brocha refers to a larger, thicker brush used for painting walls or large surfaces. You can also use the informal diminutive brochita to refer to a small paintbrush.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the expression brochita de pintura is used to refer to a small paintbrush.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pincel is pinceles. Note that un pincel nuevo is a masculine phrase, while the feminine phrase una brocha nueva is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/pinˈθel/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word pincel is a distant relative of the English word 'pencil'. Both words share a root in the Latin pēnicillum, which originally referred to a small brush made from a tail.
- In Spanish art history, the term pincelada (derived from pincel) refers specifically to the visible texture of a brushstroke, a concept central to discussing the style of painters like Goya or Velázquez.
- In Spanish, using the word pincel to describe a tool for painting a house would be a mistake. You must use brocha for home improvement, as pincel is reserved for art and fine detail.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar un pincel?Where can I buy a paintbrush?This sentence is useful for asking where to buy a pincel.Tatoeba #2344983 by marcelostockle, translation #12924934 by araneo
- Sus cuadros son enormes y con trazos gruesos, no me extrañaría que pintase con un escobón por pincel.His painting are enormous, with thick, heavy strokes. I wouldn't be surprised to find that he uses a broom as a paintbrush.This sentence uses pincel in a metaphorical way regarding heavy strokes.Tatoeba #10351355 by Seael, translation #10614491 by sangelo
- Necesito un pincel nuevoI need a new paintbrush
- Pásame la brochita, por favorPass me the small paintbrush, please
- ¡Qué lindo tu pincelito!Your little paintbrush is so cute!
- un pincel de pelo suaveA soft-hair paintbrush
- una brocha planaA flat brush
- Necesito un pincel para los detalles.I need a paintbrush for the details.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are in an art studio.
- Elena¿Tienes un pincel pequeño, Daniel?Do you have a small paintbrush, Daniel?
- DanielSí, lo tengo aquí en la mesa.Yes, I have it here on the table.
- ElenaGracias, lo usaré para este dibujo.Thanks, I will use it for this drawing.
- DanielDe nada, espero que te sirva.You're welcome, I hope it helps you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paintbrush” translations and entries pincel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pincel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
