Spanish Conversation · Level 138
44 words
Spanish word
encalar
Pronunciation
IPA/eŋkaˈlaɾ/
Meaning
- verbwhitewash
Example
Los vecinos encalaron la fachada la semana pasada.
The neighbors whitewashed the facade last week.
More examples
Vamos a encalar las paredes este fin de semana.
We're going to whitewash the walls this weekend.
Core concept
Lime wash on an exterior wall.
Common phrases
encalar las paredes
whitewash the walls
encalar la casa
whitewash the house
Similar words
pintar: Coats a surface with paint to alter its color or protect it.
blanquear: Turns a surface white, often by using whitening agents or a covering layer.
Definition in Spanish
Blanquear muros o fachadas extendiendo sobre ellos cal en polvo o en lechada para proteger la superficie.
Word origin
From prefix en- + cal 'lime' + verb ending -ar, literally 'to apply lime', with cal ultimately from Latin calx and used for a traditional lime coating that whitens and protects walls.
Usage tips
- Avoid confusing encalar with encallar (double l) 'to run aground', and note that blanquear is a common synonym but can also be used figuratively, as in blanquear dinero 'to launder money'.