sello
/ˈseʝo/masculine
The Spanish word for stamp is sello.
sello is the most common and widely understood term for a stamp, referring to a small piece of paper with a design on one side and adhesive on the other. If you are looking for the verb to apply postage stamps to something, use franquear or use timbrar to mean giving an official marking.
Meaning: any small piece of paper bearing a design on one side and adhesive on the other (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sello refers to the physical object like a postage stamp or a rubber stamp, the word estampilla is a common synonym used specifically for postage stamps in many Latin American countries. For example, in Chile, one might specifically use estampilla postal to denote a postage stamp.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In several Latin American regions, estampilla is used specifically for a postage stamp. In Chile, estampilla postal is also used for this purpose.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
sello is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈseʝo/
When do people say it?
Note that while sello can mean stamp, the word timbre is also commonly used to refer to a doorbell.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word timbre can mean a postage stamp in some contexts, but it also refers to a doorbell or the 'timbre' of a musical voice.
- The word sello shares a common ancestor with the English word 'seal', both originating from the Latin sigillum.
- A person might use the word sello to describe a person's 'trademark' or 'hallmark', such as saying someone has a 'sello personal' (personal stamp/style).
Examples in context
- El sello se despegó.The stamp came off.This sentence shows how to say the stamp came off using sello.Tatoeba #2268548 by cueyayotl, translation #2268547 by _undertoad
- Tengo un sello muy antiguo.I have a very old stamp.This sentence describes having a very old stamp using sello.Tatoeba #1332500 by Shishir, translation #261415 by CK
- No te olvides de poner un sello.Don't forget to add a stamp.This sentence is a reminder to add a stamp using sello.Tatoeba #6779685 by arh, translation #7918376 by fpp
- Envié una carta por correo y pegué un sello en el sobre.I sent a letter by mail and affixed a stamp on the envelope.
- Compré unas estampillas para enviar las cartas al extranjero.I bought some postage stamps to send letters abroad.
- Necesito un timbre fiscal para tramitar el documento.I need a fiscal stamp to process the document.
- Me encanta coleccionar pegatinas y sellos postales.I love collecting stickers and postage stamps.
- Mi abuelo colecciona estampillas con sobresello.My grandfather collects stamps with overprints.
- Necesito una estampilla postal para enviar la tarjeta de cumpleaños.I need a postage stamp to send the birthday card.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are preparing a letter to send.
- JavierLucía, ¿tienes un sello para esta carta?Lucía, do you have a stamp for this letter?
- LucíaCreo que queda un sello en el cajón.I think there is one stamp left in the drawer.
- JavierPerfecto, pásame el sello, por favor.Perfect, pass me the stamp, please.
- LucíaAquí tienes, Javier.Here you go, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stamp” translations and entries sello, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sello, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
