Play-Doh
/plaido/from spelling rules
The English phrase "play-doh" can be translated into Spanish as Play-Doh.
Play-Doh refers to the specific brand of colorful, soft modeling compound used by children for sculpting. Since it is a brand name, it is used as a proper noun in Spanish and is not translated, although speakers often treat it as a common noun during casual conversation.
Which one should you use?
While Play-Doh refers to the specific brand, the generic term for this type of modeling compound in Spanish is plastilina.
How do you pronounce it?
/plaido/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking households, plastilina is used as a metaphor to describe someone who is very flexible or easily manipulated.
- The term masa is used because the physical properties of the product are closer to bread dough than to traditional modeling clay.
- Because plastilina is a feminine noun, the adjectives used to describe it must also be feminine, even when referring to the brand Play-Doh as a generic material.
Examples in context
- El niño está jugando con Play-Doh.The boy is playing with Play-Doh.
- ¿Tienes Play-Doh de color azul?Do you have blue Play-Doh?
- Compré un bote de Play-Doh nuevo.I bought a new tub of Play-Doh.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are cleaning up the living room after a playdate.
- LucíaJavier, ¿recogiste todo el Play-Doh?Javier, did you pick up all the Play-Doh?
- JavierSí, guardé el Play-Doh en su caja.Yes, I put the Play-Doh in its box.
- LucíaQué bueno, así no se seca.That's good, so it won't dry out.
- JavierNo te preocupes, ya terminé.Don't worry, I'm already finished.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
