Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| plástico | /ˈplastiko/ |
| de plástico | /de plastiko/ (from spelling rules) |
The word plástico can function as a noun referring to the material (any similar synthetic material or a synthetic thermoplastic polymer) or as an adjective describing a property. In professional titles, such as 'plastic surgeon' (cirujano plástico), the adjective plástico follows the noun cirujano.
Which one should you use?
While plástico can act as an adjective meaning 'made of plastic', the prepositional phrase de plástico is also a common way to express that an object is made of plastic. Unlike the adjective, the phrase de plástico does not change to agree with gender or number.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using plástico as an adjective to mean 'made of plastic', the form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. However, the phrase de plástico is invariant and does not change for gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈplastiko/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, plástico is used as slang to describe something that is fake, superficial or lacks authenticity.
- In art history, plástica refers to the 'plastic arts', which are three-dimensional forms like sculpture and ceramics.
- The English word 'plastic' and the Spanish plástico share the same Ancient Greek root, πλάσσειν, which means 'to mold' or 'to form'.
Examples in context
- Es una perra de plástico.She's a plastic bitch.This sentence uses plástico to describe a bitch.Tatoeba #5854766 by albrusgher, translation #5789206 by Eccles17
- Tom es un cirujano plástico.Tom is a plastic surgeon.This sentence uses plástico in the professional title 'cirujano plástico'.Tatoeba #2046313 by marcelostockle, translation #1425378 by Spamster
- Las cajas de plástico duran más.Plastic boxes last longer.This sentence uses plástico to describe boxes.Tatoeba #977023 by Shishir, translation #1334980 by CK
- El envase está hecho de plástico.The container is made of plastic.
- Necesitamos reducir el consumo de plástico.We need to reduce plastic consumption.
- El plástico es un material resistente y versátil.Plastic is a resistant and versatile material.
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are cleaning the kitchen together.
- JavierSofía, ¿dónde están los vasos plástico?Sofía, where are the plastic glasses?
- SofíaEstán en el armario pequeño, Javier.They are in the small cupboard, Javier.
- JavierNo veo ningún vaso plástico allí.I don't see any plastic glass there.
- SofíaMira detrás de las tazas.Look behind the cups.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plastic” translations and entries plástico, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, plástico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
