Spanish word

esmalte

Pronunciation

IPA/esˈmalte/

Meaning

  • masculine nounnail polish

Example

Me compré un esmalte nuevo.

I bought a new nail polish.

Illustration for esmalte (nail polish)

More examples

¿Me ayudas a ponerme esmalte?

Can you help me apply nail polish?

Core concept

Protective glossy coating for nails.

Common phrases

  • esmalte de secado rápido

    fast-drying nail polish

  • poner esmalte

    apply nail polish

Similar words

pintauñas: Cosmetic nail fluid used mainly to impart color or a shiny finish.
esmalte de uñas: Cosmetic product for painting nails primarily to decorate their look.
laca: Quick-drying coating that leaves a hard, glossy finish on applied surfaces.
barniz: Protective finishing coat for wood or metal that enhances shine and durability.

Definition in Spanish

Se refiere a una capa vidriosa o barniz usado sobre todo en las uñas para cambiar su apariencia y protegerlas.

Word origin

The Spanish noun derives from Old French esmail and medieval Latin smaltum, words for enamel or glaze, and it is used specifically for the varnish applied to nails.

Usage tips

  • 'Esmalte' can also mean enamel or glaze in contexts like pottery or teeth, so 'esmalte de uñas' is used to avoid ambiguity when referring to nail polish.

Other meanings

  • enamelnoun
  • glazenoun

Related words

  • esmaltadoglazedadjective
  • esmaltarglazeverb

Word lists with this word