tatuaje
/taˈtwaxe/masculine
The English word 'tattoo' is tatuaje in Spanish.
tatuaje is a masculine noun referring to an image made in the skin with ink and a needle. To express the idea of getting a tattoo, the most natural phrase to use is hacerse un tatuaje.
Meaning: an image made in the skin with ink and a needle (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that someone is getting a tattoo, the reflexive form tatuarse is used instead of the transitive tatuar. Additionally, the past participle tatuado is used as an adjective to describe a person who is tattooed.
How do you pronounce it?
/taˈtwaxe/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word tatuaje is a direct linguistic descendant of the French word tatouage, which was itself borrowed from the Polynesian concept of 'tatau'.
- While the word tatuaje is common, the verb tatuar can also be used metaphorically in Spanish to mean 'to mark' or 'to imprint' something deep in one's memory or soul.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the slang term tinta (meaning 'ink') is often used as a shorthand for a tattoo or the act of getting one.
Examples in context
- ¿Tú tienes un tatuaje?Do you have a tattoo?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a tatuaje.Tatoeba #1239135 by marcelostockle, translation #953190 by CK
- ¿Tom tiene un tatuaje?Does Tom have a tattoo?This sentence is useful for asking if Tom has a tatuaje.Tatoeba #3658389 by peibolvig, translation #3536400 by Hybrid
- ¿Estás decidido a hacerte un tatuaje?Are you determined to get a tattoo?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is determined to get a tatuaje.Tatoeba #1090068 by hayastan, translation #3744953 by AlanF_US
- Me estoy haciendo un tatuaje en el hombro.I am getting a tattoo on my shoulder.
- Ella tiene un tatuaje hermoso en la espalda.She has a beautiful tattoo on her back.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a photo on a phone.
- JavierMira este tatuaje en mi brazo.Look at this tattoo on my arm.
- ElenaEs un tatuaje muy bonito, Javier.It is a very pretty tattoo, Javier.
- Javier¿Quieres un tatuaje igual?Do you want an identical tattoo?
- ElenaNo, prefiero no hacerme uno.No, I prefer not to get one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tattoo” translations and entries tatuaje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tatuaje, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
