plantillas
/plantiʝas/from spelling rules
The English word "stencils" is translated into Spanish as plantillas.
The term refers to thin sheets of plastic or metal with cutouts used to paint a specific design onto a surface.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the term esténciles as an alternative to plantillas.
How do you pronounce it?
/plantiʝas/
Did you know?
- The root of plantillas comes from planta, which means both 'plant' and the 'sole of the foot'.
- If you are using plantillas to describe footwear, you are actually talking about 'shoe insoles' or 'foot inserts' rather than art tools.
- In many Spanish-speaking business contexts, the word plantilla refers to a company 'template' or a 'staff' roster, rather than a physical tool for painting.
Examples in context
- Necesito unas plantillas para el diseño.I need some stencils for the design.
- Las plantillas de metal son muy duraderas.The metal stencils are very durable.
- Usa las plantillas para pintar las flores.Use the stencils to paint the flowers.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are preparing for an art class.
- Alejandro¿Tienes las plantillas para la clase?Do you have the stencils for the class?
- MaríaSí, las tengo en mi mochila.Yes, I have them in my backpack.
- AlejandroPerfecto, vamos a empezar a pintar.Perfect, let's start painting.
- MaríaMuy bien, Alejandro, busquemos el color.Very well, Alejandro, let's look for the color.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry plantillas, 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.
