tapiz
/taˈpiθ/masculine
The English word 'tapestry' is translated into Spanish as tapiz.
tapiz refers to a heavy woven cloth. Related to this, the verb tapizar is commonly used to mean 'to upholster' furniture, not just to decorate with tapestry. Additionally, the noun tapicería refers to both the material of upholstery and the business that performs upholstery work.
Meaning: heavy woven cloth (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of tapiz is tapices.
How do you pronounce it?
/taˈpiθ/
Did you know?
- In a historical context, tapices were often used in Spanish palaces not just for art, but as practical insulation to keep stone walls warm.
- While 'tapestry' in English often evokes images of medieval castle walls, a Spanish speaker using tapiz might simply be talking about a car's interior lining.
- In some contexts, the word tapiz can be used metaphorically to describe a 'layer' or 'covering' of something, such as a 'tapiz de hojas' meaning a 'carpet of leaves'.
Examples in context
- Lo mejor sobre la traducción fue dicho por Cervantes: la traducción es el envés de un tapiz.The best thing on translation was said by Cervantes: translation is the other side of a tapestry.Tatoeba #3461075 by carlosalberto, translation #3461065 by carlosalberto
- Me fascina estudiar la historia de los tapices medievales.I am fascinated by studying the history of medieval tapestries.
- La exposición está adornada con hermosas telas murales.The exhibition is adorned with beautiful tapestries.
- El tapiz gótico representa escenas bíblicas.The Gothic tapestry depicts biblical scenes.
- El tejido de tapices es una antigua forma de arte.Tapestry weaving is an ancient form of art.
- El viejo tapiz cuelga en la pared.The old tapestry hangs on the wall.
- Compré un tapiz para la sala.I bought a tapestry for the living room.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are decorating their new apartment.
- Lucía¿Dónde pongo este tapiz?Where should I put this tapestry?
- AlejandroPon el tapiz sobre el sofá.Put the tapestry over the sofa.
- LucíaEs un tapiz muy pesado.It is a very heavy tapestry.
- AlejandroSí, pero combina con todo.Yes, but it matches everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tapestry” translations and entries tapiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
