papel maché
/papel mat͡ʃe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "papier mache" is translated into Spanish as papel maché.
The term refers to a craft material made from pieces of paper or pulp bonded with glue or paste.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a direct loan from French. The word papel corresponds to "paper" and maché corresponds to "chewed" or "mashed".
How do you pronounce it?
/papel matʃe/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, papel maché is the primary medium for creating 'alebrijes', which are brightly colored, fantastical creatures that blend different animal parts into one imaginary being.
- While English speakers often use 'papier mache' for kids' school projects, in Spanish-speaking cultures it is frequently used by professional artists to create life-sized religious sculptures.
- Beyond art, the term papel is used in Spanish idiomatic expressions to describe a role in a play or a social part one must play in a situation.
Examples in context
- Estoy trabajando en una escultura de papel maché increíble.I'm working on an amazing papier mâché sculpture.
- Hicimos una máscara con papel maché.We made a mask with papier mache.
- El artista usa papel maché para sus esculturas.The artist uses papier mache for his sculptures.
- Necesitamos pegamento para trabajar el papel maché.We need glue to work with the papier mache.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are in an art classroom.
- Javier¿Tienes papel maché para la clase?Do you have papier mache for the class?
- SofíaSí, lo tengo en mi mesa.Yes, I have it on my table.
- JavierPerfecto, voy a hacer un cuenco.Perfect, I am going to make a bowl.
- SofíaEs una idea muy buena.That is a very good idea.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
