cuaderno de bocetos
/kwadeɾno de boθetos/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "sketchbook" is cuaderno de bocetos in Spanish.
A sketchbook is a book or pad with blank pages for sketching.
Meaning: book or pad with blank pages for sketching (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cuaderno (notebook), de (of) and bocetos (sketches).
Which one should you use?
While cuaderno de bocetos specifically refers to sketches (rough drafts), cuaderno de dibujo is a broader term for a book used for any kind of drawing. Additionally, libreta de bocetos is a common alternative, often used for smaller or thinner sketchpads.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you change the noun cuaderno to cuadernos and the noun boceto to bocetos.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwadeɾno de boθetos/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear artists refer to their sketchbook as a 'bitácora' if it is used specifically for field notes or maritime-style logs.
- In Spanish art schools, a boceto is not just a sketch but a specific stage of a project. It represents a preliminary study that is intended to be evolved into a final piece, distinguishing it from a croquis, which is a quick, spontaneous capture.
- The word cuaderno comes from the Latin word quaternī, which means 'four each'. This refers to the traditional way of folding four sheets of parchment to create a gathering for a book.
Examples in context
- Ayer encontré por casualidad un viejo cuaderno de bocetos del que me había olvidado por completo y me entró la nostalgia.Yesterday I happened to find an old sketchbook that I had completely forgotten about and I felt nostalgic.This sentence shows the use of cuaderno de bocetos in a narrative context about finding an old book.Tatoeba #3717561 by Seael, translation #12905353 by araneo
- Necesito mi cuaderno de dibujo para la clase de arte.I need my sketchbook for art class.
- He comprado un nuevo bloc de dibujo para mis ilustraciones.I've purchased a new sketchbook for my illustrations.
- Llevo mi cuaderno de bocetos a todas partes para capturar ideas creativas.I carry my sketchbook everywhere to capture creative ideas.
- Mi hermana siempre tiene una libreta de dibujos en su bolso.My sister always carries a sketchbook in her bag.
- Necesito comprar un cuaderno de bocetos nuevo.I need to buy a new sketchbook.
- Él guarda sus dibujos en el cuaderno de bocetos.He keeps his drawings in the sketchbook.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are in an art supply store.
- Daniel¿Dónde está el cuaderno de bocetos?Where is the sketchbook?
- MaríaEstá en el pasillo de dibujo, Daniel.It is in the drawing aisle, Daniel.
- DanielGracias, voy a buscarlo ahora.Thanks, I am going to look for it now.
- María¡Suerte con tu compra, Daniel!Good luck with your purchase, Daniel!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sketchbook” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuaderno, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
