película protectora
/pelikula pɾoteɡtoɾa/from spelling rules
In Spanish, protective film is película protectora.
This phrase refers to a thin layer of plastic or other material applied to a surface to prevent scratches or damage. If the protective layer is made of paper rather than plastic, use papel protector instead of película protectora.
What does it mean word for word?
The word película can mean both a thin layer (film) and a motion picture (movie).
Which one should you use?
The phrase lámina protectora is a common alternative used to describe a protective sheet or layer.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, protective film can be referred to as película protectora or lámina protectora. In Mexico, protective film can be referred to as Plástico protector. In Argentina, protective film can be referred to as Plástico de protección.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must be changed to their plural forms, resulting in películas protectoras.
Did you know?
- The word película is actually a diminutive form of the Latin word pellis, meaning it literally translates to 'little skin'.
- Because película means both 'film' and 'movie', a Spanish speaker might jokingly refer to a screen protector as a 'movie' for their phone.
- While película is used for flexible films, a Spanish speaker will switch to lámina if the protective layer is rigid or thick, such as a sheet of acrylic.
Examples in context
- La película protectora evita los arañazos.The protective film prevents scratches.
- Debes poner la película protectora en la pantalla.You must put the protective film on the screen.
- He quitado la película protectora del coche.I have removed the protective film from the car.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a new smartphone.
- Javier¿Tiene el móvil la película protectora puesta?Does the mobile phone have the protective film on?
- ElenaSí, Javier, ya le puse la película protectora.Yes, Javier, I already put the protective film on it.
- JavierPerfecto, así no se romperá la pantalla.Perfect, that way the screen won't break.
- ElenaEs mejor prevenir cualquier daño.It is better to prevent any damage.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries película, CC BY-SA 4.0.
