placa conmemorativa
/plaka kommemoɾatiba/from spelling rules
The English word 'plaque' translates to Spanish as placa conmemorativa.
The term refers to a piece of flat metal with writing on it used to remind people of a person or event. In specific scientific or dental contexts, the term biofilm is sometimes used to refer to plaque.
Meaning: piece of flat metal with writing on it to remind people of a person or event (noun)
Which one should you use?
While placa conmemorativa specifically refers to a commemorative plaque, the word placa alone can also mean a license plate, a metal plate or even a dental plaque.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun placa and the adjective conmemorativa must take the plural suffix '-s'.
Did you know?
- In several Spanish-speaking countries, the term placa is used as a slang word for a police officer's badge, meaning that 'showing your placa' is the equivalent of 'showing your badge' in English.
- A computer engineer working with hardware will use the word placa to describe a 'circuit board'.
- In the context of vehicles, the English word 'license plate' is translated as placa in many Latin American countries, though matrícula is more common in Spain.
Examples in context
- El dentista me dijo que tenía mucha placa en los dientes.The dentist told me that I had a lot of plaque on my teeth.
- Hay una placa conmemorativa en el parque.There is a commemorative plaque in the park.
- Instalaron una placa conmemorativa para el héroe.They installed a commemorative plaque for the hero.
- La placa conmemorativa es de bronce.The commemorative plaque is made of bronze.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are walking through a historic city square.
- JavierMira esa placa conmemorativa en la pared.Look at that commemorative plaque on the wall.
- LucíaEs muy bonita, Javier.It is very beautiful, Javier.
- Javier¿Puedes leer lo que dice la placa conmemorativa?Can you read what the commemorative plaque says?
- LucíaSí, conmemora la fundación de la ciudad.Yes, it commemorates the founding of the city.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plaque” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
