polvo
/ˈpolbo/masculine
The English phrase "powder" is translated into Spanish as polvo.
polvo refers to fine particles of any dry substance. It is used for both "powder" (a substance) and "dust" (particles settled on surfaces).
Meaning: fine particles of any dry substance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While polvo covers both "powder" and "dust", the specific action of sprinkling or dusting something with powder is expressed by the verb polvorear. The plural form polvos is used when referring to different types of powders or, in a slang context, to sexual intercourse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Venezuela, the word Maicena is used to refer to cornstarch.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpolbo/
Did you know?
- The English word 'pulverize' shares the same ancient root as the Spanish polvo, as both trace back to the Proto-Indo-European word for 'flour' or 'dust'.
- The word polvo can also refer to the 'dust' of a fallen civilization or the 'ashes' of remains in a poetic or religious sense.
- In some contexts, polvo can be used metaphorically to describe something that has been completely destroyed or reduced to nothing. It evokes the image of a structure crumbling into fine particles.
Examples in context
- Voy a hacer la colada con detergente en polvo.I'm going to do the laundry with powder detergent.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use polvo when talking about detergent.Tatoeba #9017473 by Shishir, translation #10196794 by DJ_Saidez
- El polvo es suficientemente ligero como para flotar en el agua.The powder is light enough to float on water.This sentence shows how to describe the weight of polvo.Tatoeba #1676608 by termito2nd, translation #11607543 by abburns
- Para hacer este pastel se necesita polvo de hornear y mantequilla sin sal.In order to make this cake you need baking powder and unsalted butter.This sentence demonstrates how to use polvo in the context of baking powder.Tatoeba #3270702 by cueyayotl, translation #1166488 by Chrikaru
- Necesito comprar polvo de talco para el bebé.I need to buy talcum powder for the baby.
- Después de la explosión, se levantó una polvareda que cubrió todo el lugar.After the explosion, a cloud of dust covered the entire place.
- ¿Dónde está el talco? Necesito secarme las manos.Where is the powder? I need to dry my hands.
- Ponte un poquito de polvito para que no brille tu cara.Put on a little bit of powder so your face doesn't shine.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are cleaning the living room.
- LucíaAlejandro, hay mucho polvo en la estantería.Alejandro, there is a lot of dust on the shelf.
- AlejandroLo siento, Lucía, voy a limpiarlo ahora.I'm sorry, Lucía, I will clean it now.
- LucíaGracias, el polvo se nota mucho hoy.Thanks, the dust is very noticeable today.
- AlejandroEs verdad, usaré un paño húmedo.It's true, I will use a damp cloth.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “powder” translations and entries polvo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries polvo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
