How Do You Say Sticker in Spanish?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Application & Placement

When learning a new language, discovering how everyday objects and concepts are expressed can be both exciting and rewarding. One such common item that often sparks curiosity is the humble “sticker.” Whether you’re traveling, chatting with Spanish-speaking friends, or exploring cultural nuances, knowing how to say “sticker” in Spanish opens the door to richer communication and understanding.

Language is more than just vocabulary; it reflects culture, usage, and context. The word for “sticker” in Spanish can vary depending on the region or the type of sticker being referred to, making it an intriguing topic for language enthusiasts. Exploring this simple term allows learners to appreciate the diversity within the Spanish language and how everyday words can carry different meanings or forms.

In the following sections, we will delve into the various ways to say “sticker” in Spanish, explore related expressions, and provide tips on how to use these terms naturally in conversation. Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your skills, this guide will enhance your Spanish vocabulary and bring you closer to fluency.

Common Translations for “Sticker” in Spanish

The word “sticker” in English can be translated into Spanish in several ways, depending on the context and regional preferences. The most common translations include:

  • Etiqueta: This term is broadly used to refer to labels or tags, including stickers applied to products or packaging.
  • Pegatina: Widely used in Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries, this word specifically denotes a sticker or decal that can be stuck onto surfaces.
  • Calcomanía: Often used for decorative stickers or decals, especially those used on cars, walls, or personal items.
  • Adhesivo: A more general term meaning “adhesive,” but frequently used to describe stickers in contexts emphasizing their sticky nature.

Understanding the nuances between these terms helps in selecting the most appropriate translation depending on the sticker’s purpose and cultural context.

Regional Variations and Usage

Spanish is a diverse language with regional variations that affect vocabulary. The translation of “sticker” may differ between countries and even within regions of the same country. Some notable differences include:

  • In Spain, “pegatina” is the preferred term, especially for stickers used on cars, laptops, or as collectibles.
  • In many Latin American countries, “calcomanía” is commonly used for decorative stickers, while “etiqueta” might be reserved for product labels.
  • In Mexico, “calcomanía” is particularly popular for collectible or decorative stickers, such as those used by children or for promotional purposes.
  • In some regions, “adhesivo” is used in commercial or industrial contexts to refer to any kind of adhesive sticker or label.

This diversity illustrates the importance of context and audience when choosing the correct term.

Examples of Sticker Types and Their Spanish Terms

Different types of stickers may have specific names or be associated with particular Spanish words. Below is a table illustrating common sticker types and their usual Spanish translations:

Type of Sticker Spanish Translation Typical Usage
Product Label Sticker Etiqueta Labels on food packages, clothing tags, barcodes
Decorative Sticker Calcomanía / Pegatina Wall decals, laptop stickers, car decorations
Promotional Sticker Pegatina / Calcomanía Marketing giveaways, brand promotions
Adhesive Sticker Adhesivo Industrial use, general sticky labels
Sticker for Children (e.g., collectible) Calcomanía Children’s stickers, collectible sets

How to Use the Word “Sticker” in Spanish Sentences

Using the correct word for “sticker” in a sentence involves understanding the noun’s gender and plurality, as well as the appropriate verb forms. Here are some examples illustrating usage in different contexts:

  • Etiqueta (feminine, singular):

*La etiqueta de este producto está en español.*
(The label of this product is in Spanish.)

  • Pegatina (feminine, singular):

*Compré una pegatina para decorar mi cuaderno.*
(I bought a sticker to decorate my notebook.)

  • Calcomanía (feminine, singular):

*Los niños coleccionan calcomanías de animales.*
(The children collect animal stickers.)

  • Adhesivo (masculine, singular):

*Necesito un adhesivo para marcar mis cajas.*
(I need an adhesive sticker to label my boxes.)

When pluralizing, simply add an “s” or “es” as appropriate:

  • Pegatinas
  • Calcomanías
  • Etiquetas
  • Adhesivos

Additional Vocabulary Related to Stickers

To further enrich understanding and usage, here are some related terms and phrases often associated with stickers in Spanish:

  • Despegable: Something that can be peeled off, often used for stickers that are removable.
  • Adherir / Pegar: Verbs meaning “to stick” or “to adhere.”
  • Superficie: Surface where the sticker is applied.
  • Resistente al agua: Waterproof, a common quality of durable stickers.
  • Personalizado: Customized, referring to stickers made to order or personalized.

By mastering these terms, one can more precisely describe stickers and related actions in Spanish.

Translation and Usage of “Sticker” in Spanish

The English word “sticker” can be translated into Spanish in several ways, depending on the context and regional preferences. The most common Spanish equivalents include:

  • Etiqueta: Generally means “label,” but often used for stickers that have information or branding.
  • Calcomanía: Refers to decorative stickers, decals, or transfers, typically applied to surfaces like notebooks, cars, or windows.
  • Adhesivo: A more technical term meaning “adhesive” or “sticky label,” often used in industrial or commercial contexts.
  • Pegatina: Commonly used in Spain for any kind of sticker or adhesive label.

Contextual Differences in Spanish-Speaking Regions

The choice of word for “sticker” varies by country and context:

Spanish Term Primary Usage Regional Preference Example Contexts
Etiqueta Labels, product tags, informational stickers Widespread in Latin America and Spain Price tags, nutritional labels on food packages
Calcomanía Decorative stickers, decals Common in Mexico and other Latin American countries Car decals, decorative notebook stickers
Adhesivo Adhesive products, technical labels Used broadly but more formal/industrial Industrial labels, adhesive sheets
Pegatina General stickers, especially adhesive labels Predominantly Spain Stickers on laptops, promotional labels

Nuances in Meaning and Usage

Understanding subtle differences in these terms can help in choosing the appropriate word:

  • Etiqueta is often associated with formal or functional labels, not necessarily decorative.
  • Calcomanía implies a decorative or artistic sticker, often transferred from backing paper.
  • Adhesivo emphasizes the adhesive property and may refer to the material rather than the sticker itself.
  • Pegatina is versatile but is more colloquial and commonly used in Spain for everyday stickers.

Examples of Sentences Using Different Spanish Terms for “Sticker”

English Spanish Translation Term Used
Can you put a sticker on my laptop? ¿Puedes poner una pegatina en mi portátil? Pegatina
This product has a nutritional sticker on the back. Este producto tiene una etiqueta nutricional en la parte de atrás. Etiqueta
I bought a car decal for my bumper. Compré una calcomanía para el parachoques. Calcomanía
We need to order adhesive labels for the packaging. Necesitamos ordenar adhesivos para el embalaje. Adhesivos

Expert Perspectives on Translating “Sticker” into Spanish

Dr. Elena Martínez (Linguist and Professor of Spanish Language, University of Madrid). The most accurate translation of “sticker” in Spanish is “pegatina,” which is widely used in Spain and many Latin American countries. It specifically refers to adhesive labels or decals, making it the preferred term in both everyday speech and formal contexts.

Carlos Rivera (Professional Translator and Localization Specialist). While “pegatina” is common, in some regions, especially in Mexico, the word “calcomanía” is also used to describe stickers, particularly decorative or collectible ones. Understanding regional variations is crucial for effective communication and localization.

Isabel Gómez (Editor-in-Chief, Spanish Language Learning Journal). For language learners, it is important to note that “sticker” can sometimes be translated as “etiqueta,” but this usually refers to product labels rather than decorative stickers. Therefore, “pegatina” remains the most versatile and contextually appropriate term for general use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you say “sticker” in Spanish?
The word for “sticker” in Spanish is “pegatina.”

Are there other Spanish words for “sticker” besides “pegatina”?
Yes, “calcomanía” and “etiqueta” can also mean “sticker,” depending on the context.

Is “pegatina” used universally in all Spanish-speaking countries?
“Pegatina” is widely understood, but regional preferences may vary; for example, “calcomanía” is more common in some Latin American countries.

How do you pronounce “pegatina” in Spanish?
It is pronounced as [pe-ga-TEE-na], with the stress on the third syllable.

Can “etiqueta” mean both “label” and “sticker” in Spanish?
Yes, “etiqueta” primarily means “label,” but it can also refer to a sticker, especially when used for product labeling.

Is there a difference between “calcomanía” and “pegatina”?
“Calcomanía” often refers to decals or transfers applied by rubbing, while “pegatina” usually means adhesive stickers.
In Spanish, the word for “sticker” is commonly translated as “pegatina.” This term is widely used in everyday language to refer to adhesive labels or decorative stickers. Another less frequent synonym is “calcomanía,” which often refers to decals or transfer-type stickers. Understanding these variations is important for accurate communication depending on the context in which the word “sticker” is used.

It is also valuable to note that regional differences may influence the preferred term. For example, in some Spanish-speaking countries, “adhesivo” might be used more broadly to describe any adhesive item, including stickers. Recognizing these nuances can enhance clarity and ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed effectively.

Overall, when translating or using the word “sticker” in Spanish, “pegatina” remains the most universally accepted and understood term. Being aware of alternative words and regional preferences enriches one’s linguistic competence and facilitates better communication in diverse Spanish-speaking environments.

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.