uñas postizas
/uɲas postiθas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "press on nails" is translated into Spanish as uñas postizas.
The term refers to artificial nails that are glued onto the natural nails. While uñas postizas is a general term for any artificial nails, it is the most common way to refer specifically to press-on nails in a retail context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase uñas postizas is composed of uñas (nails) and postizas (false, artificial or substitute).
Which one should you use?
Use Uñas artificiales autoadhesivas for more formal descriptions, and use the diminutive forms uñitas postizas or uñitas autocolocables for more informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single nail rather than a set, use the singular form uña postiza.
How do you pronounce it?
/uɲas postiθas/
Did you know?
- The word uñas is shared with the word for 'claws' in animals, meaning there is no distinct word for 'claw' versus 'fingernail' in a general context.
- The word postizas is used not only for nails but also for eyelashes pestañas postizas and hair pieces peluquín postizo. It describes anything that substitutes a natural body part.
- The word postiza in uñas postizas shares its roots with the word for a 'substitute' or 'proxy'. It implies that the nail is playing the role of a real one, rather than just being a piece of plastic.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿podría recomendarme una tienda donde pueda encontrar uñas postizas?Excuse me, could you please recommend a store where I can find press on nails?
- ¡Me encantan tus uñas! ¿Son uñas postizas?I really like your nails! Are they press ons?
- Necesito comprar uñas postizas para una ocasión especial. ¿Dónde puedo encontrarlas?I need to buy press on nails for a special occasion. Where can I find them?
- Me gustan mucho las uñas postizas.I really like press on nails.
- ¿Dónde compraste esas uñas postizas?Where did you buy those press on nails?
- Estas uñas postizas son muy fáciles de poner.These press on nails are very easy to put on.
Example conversation
Elena is showing her new nails to Javier.
- JavierQué lindas son tus uñas.Your nails are so cute.
- ElenaGracias, son uñas postizas.Thanks, they are press on nails.
- JavierParecen naturales, Elena.They look natural, Elena.
- ElenaSí, son muy fáciles de poner.Yes, they are very easy to put on.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
