Spanish Conversation · Level 160
30 words
Spanish word
hollín
Pronunciation
IPA/oˈʝin/
Meaning
- masculine nounsoot
Example
Después de la fogata, las manos tenían hollín.
After the campfire, their hands were covered in soot.
More examples
La sartén quedó negra por el hollín.
The pan turned black from the soot.
Core concept
Black powdery residue left by smoke that clings to surfaces.
Common phrases
quitar hollín
remove soot
restos de hollín
soot residues
capa de hollín
layer of soot
Similar words
ceniza: Pale gray or white powdery ash left after burning, dry and easily brushed away.
humo: Visible cloud of gas and tiny particles from burning that rises and spreads through the air.
polvo: Fine dry particles that settle on surfaces and form a light coating that can be wiped off.
Definition in Spanish
Residuo negro y fino que deja el humo tras la combustión y que se pega a paredes, ropa u objetos.
Word origin
Spanish hollín derives from Latin fuligo 'soot' via medieval sound changes that produced its modern form.
Usage tips
- Refers specifically to the black, sticky deposit that soils hands, clothes, or walls, while ceniza denotes the dry powdery ash.