perlado
/peɾˈlado/
The English word pearlescent is translated into Spanish as perlado.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use the feminine form perlada for feminine nouns. The adjective must agree in number with the noun it modifies, so use perlados for masculine plural nouns and perladas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾˈlado/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a specific word, nacarado, which refers specifically to the 'mother-of-pearl' effect. While perlado is common, nacarado is the more technical term for the iridescent material found inside shells.
- The term perlado is occasionally used in gastronomy to describe a specific glossy, iridescent sheen on certain types of glazed desserts or sauces.
- In the automotive world, a 'pearlescent' finish is often called blanco perlado, but if the paint has a multi-colored shift, it is more commonly described as tornasolado.
Examples in context
- Su auto tiene un acabado iridiscente hermoso.Her car has a beautiful pearlescent finish.
- El cuadro muestra un brillo iridiscente suave.The painting exhibits a soft pearlescent glow.
- El vestido brilla con un brillo iridiscente.The dress shimmers with a pearlescent sheen.
- Él eligió una pintura de auto que imita un efecto iridiscente.He chose a car paint that imitates a pearlescent effect.
- El acabado de la pintura es perlado.The paint finish is pearlescent.
- Me gusta ese tono perlado para la pared.I like that pearlescent tone for the wall.
- Las perlas tienen un brillo perlado muy suave.The pearls have a very soft pearlescent shine.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at paint samples in a store.
- Lucía¿Qué te parece este color perlado para el baño?What do you think of this pearlescent color for the bathroom?
- JavierEs muy elegante, Lucía.It is very elegant, Lucía.
- LucíaSí, tiene un brillo perlado muy bonito.Yes, it has a very beautiful pearlescent shine.
- JavierCreo que a ti te encantará.I think you will love it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry perlado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
