Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Drawing in Spanish
Dibujo · noun · dee-BOO-hoh
The Spanish word for drawing (as a noun) is 'dibujo,' referring to both the finished artwork and the art form itself. When describing the ongoing action of drawing, use the gerund 'dibujando' (from the verb 'dibujar').
Pronounce it as dee-BOO-hoh, with three syllables and the stress on the second. The 'j' sounds like a soft English 'h.'
Hizo un dibujo muy bonito de su familia.
She made a very pretty drawing of her family.
drawing in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for drawing, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| dibujo | drawing | dee-BOO-hoh | Default, widely understood |
| dibujando | drawing | gerund — the act of drawing |
How Native Speakers Use Dibujo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Art class
Los estudiantes presentaron sus dibujos al profesor.
The students presented their drawings to the teacher.
An art class activity.
Child's artwork
Mi hijo está dibujando un paisaje con crayones.
My son is drawing a landscape with crayons.
Watching a child create art.
Skill description
El dibujo es una habilidad que mejora con la práctica.
Drawing is a skill that improves with practice.
Discussing artistic abilities.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Dibujo
Using pintura instead
Incorrect: Hice una pintura a lápiz. (for a pencil sketch)
Correct: Hice un dibujo a lápiz.
'Pintura' means painting, which involves paint. A pencil or pen sketch is a 'dibujo.'
Wrong verb form
Incorrect: Me gusta el dibujando.
Correct: Me gusta el dibujo.
For the noun (the art form or the artwork), use 'dibujo.' The gerund 'dibujando' is only used with 'estar' for progressive actions.
Lock in drawing Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Dibujo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using dibujo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Hizo un dibujo muy bonito de su familia. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About drawing in Spanish
- What is the difference between dibujo and pintura?
- A 'dibujo' is created with dry media like pencils, pens, or charcoal on paper, while a 'pintura' involves wet media like oils, watercolors, or acrylics on canvas.
- How do you say I like drawing in Spanish?
- The most natural way is 'me gusta dibujar,' using the infinitive form of the verb, which is how Spanish expresses enjoyment of an activity.
- What does dibujos animados mean?
- The phrase 'dibujos animados' literally translates to 'animated drawings' and is the standard Spanish term for cartoons or animated shows.