papel picado
/papel pikado/from spelling rules
The English phrase "paper cutting" is translated into Spanish as papel picado.
papel picado refers to the traditional Mexican folk art of cutting intricate designs into colorful tissue paper.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "cut paper". The word papel means "paper" and picado is the past participle of the verb picar, which means "to cut" or "to prick".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because papel is a singular noun in this phrase, the phrase remains papel picado even if you are referring to multiple sheets of the art.
When do people say it?
papel picado refers to Mexican traditional paper banners.
Did you know?
- In Mexico, papel picado is often used to represent the element of wind in traditional altars, as the paper flutters in the breeze.
- The verb picar can also mean 'to sting' or 'to peck', which reflects the repetitive, punching motion used to create the holes in papel picado.
- The word papel traces its origins back to the Ancient Greek word πάπυρος, which refers to the papyrus plant.
Examples in context
- El corte de papel es una habilidad artística tradicional.Paper cutting is a traditional artistic skill.
- El recorte de papel requiere paciencia y precisión.Paper cutting requires patience and precision.
- ¿Quieres aprender a cortar papel para hacer manualidades?Do you want to learn how to cut paper for crafts?
- Hicimos figuras recortadas en papel para decorar la fiesta.We made paper cut-out figures to decorate the party.
- El papel picado decora la fiesta.The paper cutting decorates the party.
- Me encanta el diseño de este papel picado.I love the design of this paper cutting.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are decorating their home for a celebration.
- Mateo¿Dónde pusiste el papel picado?Where did you put the paper cutting?
- LucíaLo colgué en la ventana, Mateo.I hung it in the window, Mateo.
- MateoSe ve muy hermoso.It looks very beautiful.
- LucíaGracias, es mi parte favorita de la decoración.Thanks, it is my favorite part of the decoration.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries papel, picado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
