Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Tattoo in Spanish: Tatuaje
Tatuaje · noun · tah-too-AH-heh
The English word 'tattoo' translates to 'tatuaje' in Spanish. It refers to a permanent design made by inserting ink into the skin. The related verb 'to tattoo' is 'tatuar' in Spanish.
tah-too-AH-heh
Mi primer tatuaje fue el nombre de mi abuela.
My first tattoo was my grandmother's name.
Tattoo in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for tattoo, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| tatuaje | tattoo | tah-too-AH-heh | Default, widely understood |
| tatu | tattoo | informal shorthand in some regions |
How Native Speakers Use Tatuaje
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Personal story
Me hice un tatuaje de una rosa en el brazo izquierdo.
I got a tattoo of a rose on my left arm.
Describing a personal tattoo and its placement.
At the studio
El tatuador me mostró varios diseños antes de empezar.
The tattoo artist showed me several designs before starting.
Interaction at a tattoo parlor, using the related word 'tatuador.'
Opinion
Quiero un tatuaje pequeño detrás de la oreja.
I want a small tattoo behind my ear.
Expressing a desire for a specific tattoo placement.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Tatuaje
Verb form error
Incorrect: Me voy a tatuajar mañana.
Correct: Me voy a tatuar mañana.
The verb 'to tattoo' in Spanish is 'tatuar,' not 'tatuajar.' Adding '-ajar' creates a non-existent verb form.
Gender mistake
Incorrect: La tatuaje de María es hermosa.
Correct: El tatuaje de María es hermoso.
'Tatuaje' is a masculine noun despite ending in 'e,' so it takes the article 'el' and masculine adjectives like 'hermoso.'
Lock in Tattoo Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Tatuaje used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using tatuaje in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Mi primer tatuaje fue el nombre de mi abuela. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Tattoo in Spanish
- How do you say 'tattoo' in Spanish?
- The word is 'tatuaje,' and it is used consistently across all Spanish-speaking countries. The verb form 'tatuar' means 'to tattoo,' and a tattoo artist is called a 'tatuador' or 'tatuadora.'
- Is 'tatuaje' masculine or feminine?
- 'Tatuaje' is a masculine noun, which surprises some learners because it ends in the vowel 'e' rather than the typical masculine ending 'o.' You should always use 'el tatuaje,' never 'la tatuaje.'
- How do you say 'I want to get a tattoo' in Spanish?
- You would say 'Quiero hacerme un tatuaje,' which literally translates to 'I want to get myself a tattoo.' The reflexive construction 'hacerme' is natural in Spanish when talking about getting something done to your own body.