Spanish word

sello

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈseʝo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounstamp

Example

Necesito un sello para enviar la carta.

I need a stamp to send the letter.

Illustration for sello (stamp)

More examples

Voy a comprar un sello en la oficina de correos.

I'm going to buy a stamp at the post office.

Core concept

Certifying mark or identifying seal.

Common phrases

  • comprar un sello

    buy a stamp

  • pegar un sello

    affix a stamp

  • sello adhesivo

    self-adhesive stamp

Similar words

estampilla: Small adhesive paper affixed to mail showing the postage paid; common everyday term.
timbre: Small adhesive paper affixed to mail showing the postage paid; formal or regional term.

Definition in Spanish

Marca u objeto que sirve para certificar o identificar, y en contextos postales se refiere a la estampilla que acredita el pago del envío.

Word origin

From Latin sigillum 'small seal', the Spanish word sello names seals or marks that certify identity or authority and also the small paper stamp that shows paid postage.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Spanish poner un sello commonly means to stick a postage stamp, while phrases like sello de calidad use it figuratively as a mark of approval.

Other meanings

  • sealnoun
  • revenue stampnoun

Related words

  • sellarsealverb
  • selladosealedadjective

Word lists with this word