cuadros
/kwadɾos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "paintings" is translated into Spanish as cuadros.
The term refers to works of art created by applying paint to a surface.
Which one should you use?
cuadros is the most common way to refer to paintings as physical objects, such as framed works. In contrast, pinturas is often used in more technical, artistic or formal contexts to refer to the medium or the act of painting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use cuadros for paintings, while across Latin America, the term pinturas is commonly used for paintings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is cuadro.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwadɾos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use pintura to mean a single framed painting in a casual setting, whereas cuadro is the more natural choice for the object itself.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, a 'painting' can be used as a metaphor for a situation, such as the phrase pintar mal, which means a situation looks promisingly bad or bleak.
- Medical professionals use cuadro clínico to refer to a patient's 'clinical picture' or the combination of symptoms they present.
- In a professional setting, a 'cuadro de mando' is not a painting on a wall, but a 'dashboard' used in business to monitor performance.
Examples in context
- Hay muchos cuadros en el muro.There are many paintings on the wall.This sentence shows how to describe the presence of cuadros on a wall.Tatoeba #1565130 by peibolvig, translation #320240 by CK
- Tiene una buena colección de cuadros modernos.He has a good collection of modern paintings.This sentence demonstrates the use of cuadros when discussing a collection.Tatoeba #2266324 by cueyayotl, translation #2266323 by _undertoad
- Después de su muerte, sus cuadros fueron colgados en el museo.After his death, his paintings were hung in the museum.This sentence illustrates how cuadros are displayed in a museum setting.Tatoeba #1593537 by teskmon, translation #246366 by CK
- La exposición cuenta con una hermosa colección de cuadros impresionistas.The exhibition features a beautiful collection of impressionist paintings.
- El crítico de arte analizó detenidamente las pinturas expuestas en la galería.The art critic carefully analyzed the paintings exhibited in the gallery.
- Los cuadritos que tienes en tu sala son encantadores.The small paintings you have in your living room are lovely.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are in an art gallery.
- SofíaMira qué hermosos son estos cuadros.Look how beautiful these paintings are.
- AlejandroSí, Sofía, son impresionantes.Yes, Sofía, they are impressive.
- Sofía¿Quieres comprar alguno para tu casa?Do you want to buy one for your house?
- AlejandroTal vez, pero son muy grandes.Maybe, but they are very large.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
