papel pintado
/paˌpel pinˈtado/masculine
The Spanish word for wallpaper is papel pintado. Wiktionary also lists papel tapiz/mural and decomural.
Meaning: decorative paper for walls (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| papel pintado | /paˌpel pinˈtado/ | masculine |
| papel tapiz/mural | masculine | |
| decomural | /dekomuɾal/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| empapelado | /empapeˈlado/ | masculine |
All forms listed refer to the decorative paper used to cover walls. You can also use the related verb empapelar to describe the action of covering a surface with wallpaper.
What does it mean word for word?
The term papel pintado literally translates to 'painted paper'.
Which one should you use?
papel tapiz is a common alternative used specifically to refer to the decorative material itself. The form papel tapiz/mural covers these variations. There is also the form decomural and empapelado provided in the records.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, it is common to hear papel mural as an alternative for wallpaper.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb empapelar is used to describe the action of applying wallpaper to a surface.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˌpel pinˈtado/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, empapelar is used metaphorically to describe a city covered in political posters or advertisements during an election.
- While 'papel pintado' is standard, the term tapiz used in papel tapiz originally referred to heavy, woven fabrics or tapestries rather than paper.
- The word papel shares a common ancestor with the English word 'paper', tracing back to the Ancient Greek πάπυρος (pápuros), which refers to the papyrus plant.
Examples in context
- Me encantaría decorar mi sala con un hermoso papel pintado.I would love to decorate my living room with beautiful wallpaper.
- Me encanta el nuevo empapelado de mi habitación.I love the new wallpaper in my room.
- ¿Sabes dónde puedo encontrar papel tapiz barato?Do you know where I can find cheap wallpaper?
- En muchos países latinoamericanos, el papel mural con diseños coloridos y vibrantes es bastante popular, mientras que en España se prefieren estampados más sutiles y elegantes.In many Latin American countries, wallpaper with colorful and vibrant designs is quite popular, whereas in Spain, more subtle and elegant patterns are preferred.
- Elegí un papel pintado azul.I chose a blue wallpaper.
- El papel pintado es muy bonito.The wallpaper is very pretty.
- Necesitamos comprar más papel pintado.We need to buy more wallpaper.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing decorating their new living room.
- Daniel¿Te gusta este papel pintado?Do you like this wallpaper?
- SofíaSí, Daniel, es perfecto para la sala.Yes, Daniel, it is perfect for the living room.
- DanielEntonces, compraré el papel pintado mañana.Then, I will buy the wallpaper tomorrow.
- Sofía¡Qué buena idea!That is a great idea!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wallpaper” translations and entries papel pintado, empapelado, 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 papel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
