Spanish vocabulary · Intermediate
Velvet in Spanish: Terciopelo
Terciopelo · noun · tehr-see-oh-PEH-loh
The English word 'velvet' translates to 'terciopelo' in Spanish. It refers to the luxurious, soft fabric with a dense pile that is commonly used for upholstery, clothing, and decorative items. The word also appears in food contexts, such as 'red velvet cake.'
tehr-see-oh-PEH-loh
El sofá de terciopelo azul es el más elegante de la tienda.
The blue velvet sofa is the most elegant one in the store.
Velvet in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for velvet, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| terciopelo | velvet | tehr-see-oh-PEH-loh | Default, widely understood |
| veludo | velvet | some South American regions, less common |
How Native Speakers Use Terciopelo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Fashion
Compró un vestido de terciopelo rojo para la gala.
She bought a red velvet dress for the gala.
Describing a formal garment made of velvet.
Home decor
Las cortinas de terciopelo verde le dan un toque clásico al salón.
The green velvet curtains give the living room a classic touch.
Interior design discussion about fabric choices.
Food
El pastel de terciopelo rojo es su postre favorito.
Red velvet cake is her favorite dessert.
Referring to the popular dessert flavor.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Terciopelo
Using English loanword
Incorrect: Quiero un cojín de velvet.
Correct: Quiero un cojín de terciopelo.
Unlike some fashion loanwords, 'velvet' has not been adopted into Spanish. The established translation 'terciopelo' is the only word used in Spanish-speaking markets.
Gender error
Incorrect: La terciopelo es suave al tacto.
Correct: El terciopelo es suave al tacto.
'Terciopelo' is a masculine noun and requires the article 'el.' Despite its length and unusual ending, the gender does not vary.
Lock in Velvet Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Terciopelo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using terciopelo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El sofá de terciopelo azul es el más elegante de la tienda. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Velvet in Spanish
- How do you say 'velvet' in Spanish?
- The word is 'terciopelo,' a masculine noun derived from historical textile terminology. It is the standard term across all Spanish-speaking countries for the plush fabric.
- How do you say 'red velvet cake' in Spanish?
- It is called 'pastel de terciopelo rojo' or sometimes 'torta de terciopelo rojo' in countries where 'torta' is used for cake. Some bakeries also use the English phrase 'red velvet' as a brand name.
- Is 'terciopelo' related to any other Spanish words?
- The word 'terciopelo' comes from the Italian 'velluto terzo pelo,' meaning 'third hair,' referring to the triple-weave technique used to create the fabric's distinctive pile. It does not share a root with other common Spanish textile terms.