Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lunar | /luˈnaɾ/ | masculine |
| pinta | /ˈpinta/ | feminine |
In English, "polka dot" refers to a pattern of uniform round dots on fabric. In Spanish, you can use these terms to describe such patterns. You can specify the size or color of the pattern using phrases like Lunares grandes (big polka dots), Lunares pequeños (small polka dots), Lunares de colores (colorful polka dots) or Lunares en blanco y negro (black and white polka dots).
Which one should you use?
The term lunar specifically refers to the circular pattern of polka dots, whereas the word puntos is a more general term used for any dots or points.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form lunares is the most common way to refer to the pattern itself, such as in the phrase una tela de lunares (a polka dot fabric). When describing an object that features this pattern, it is common to use the prepositional phrase de lunares rather than using lunar as a direct adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
/luˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word lunar comes from the Latin word lūnāris, meaning 'of the moon'.
- In Spain, the lunares pattern is deeply associated with the traditional dress of the 💃💃💃 dancers in the art of flamenco.
- In Spanish, the term lunar has a double meaning. While it describes a polka dot pattern on clothing, it is also the standard word used to describe a 'mole' or a beauty mark on a person's skin.
Examples in context
- un maillot de lunaresA polka dot jersey (road bicycle racing)This sentence shows how to use lunar to describe a jersey used in road bicycle racing.
- Estoy buscando una blusa con lunares para la reunión de negociosI'm looking for a polka dot blouse for the business meeting.
- ¡Me encanta tu falda de puntos! Te ves genialI love your polka dot skirt! You look great.
- ¡Mira esos vestidos con lunarcitos! Son tan adorablesLook at those dresses with polka dots! They're so adorable.
- ¿Tienes alguna prenda con lunares?Do you have any clothing with polka dots?
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una camisa de puntos?Where can I find a polka dot shirt?
- Me gustaría probarme ese vestido de lunarcitos, por favorI would like to try on that dress with little polka dots, please
- Baila con ella en su vestido de lunaresDance with her in her polka dot dress.
- Los lunares son una tendencia clásica que nunca pasa de modaPolka dots are a classic trend that never goes out of style.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are shopping for clothes.
- SofíaMira este pañuelo de lunar.Look at this polka dot scarf.
- DanielEs muy bonito, Sofía.It is very pretty, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Crees que me queda bien?Do you think it looks good on me?
- DanielSí, el lunar te favorece mucho.Yes, the polka dots suit you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “polka dot” translations and entries lunar, pinta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lunar, pinta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
