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A1 noun #2,500 よく出る 10分で読める

el cepillo

At the A1 level, 'el cepillo' is introduced as a basic, everyday noun essential for describing daily routines and personal hygiene. Beginners learn this word primarily in the context of 'el cepillo de dientes' (toothbrush) and 'el cepillo de pelo' (hairbrush). It is a foundational vocabulary item because it pairs with highly frequent reflexive verbs like 'cepillarse' (to brush oneself) and 'lavarse' (to wash oneself). For instance, a standard A1 sentence is 'Me lavo los dientes con mi cepillo' (I brush my teeth with my toothbrush). The grammar focus at this stage is simply recognizing that it is a masculine singular noun, requiring the articles 'el' or 'un', and understanding its plural form 'los cepillos'. Teachers emphasize its pronunciation, particularly the 'll' sound, which varies by region but is crucial for basic phonetics. Students are not expected to know its secondary meanings (like a carpenter's plane or a church alms box) at this stage. The goal is purely functional communication: being able to identify the object, state ownership ('mi cepillo'), and describe its basic use in morning or evening routines. It frequently appears in vocabulary lists alongside 'el jabón' (soap), 'la toalla' (towel), and 'la pasta de dientes' (toothpaste). Mastering 'el cepillo' at A1 provides a solid stepping stone for discussing daily habits and personal care in Spanish.
As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding of 'el cepillo' expands beyond just teeth and hair. While personal hygiene remains the primary context, A2 students begin to encounter the word in household chores and cleaning contexts. They learn compound phrases like 'cepillo de zapatos' (shoe brush) or 'cepillo para la ropa' (clothes brush). The grammar becomes slightly more complex; students practice using 'el cepillo' with a wider variety of verbs, such as 'limpiar' (to clean), 'comprar' (to buy), and 'necesitar' (to need). They also start using adjectives to describe the brush, learning phrases like 'un cepillo nuevo' (a new brush), 'un cepillo eléctrico' (an electric toothbrush), or 'un cepillo suave' (a soft brush). A2 learners practice giving simple instructions or commands, such as 'Usa el cepillo para limpiar la mesa' (Use the brush to clean the table). The distinction between 'cepillo' and 'peine' (comb) is heavily reinforced at this level to prevent common vocabulary mix-ups. Furthermore, students practice narrating past routines using the preterite and imperfect tenses, e.g., 'Ayer me compré un cepillo azul' (Yesterday I bought a blue brush). By the end of A2, 'el cepillo' is firmly established as a multi-purpose tool in the learner's vocabulary, applicable to both personal grooming and basic domestic tasks.
At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'el cepillo' becomes more nuanced and idiomatic. Learners are expected to comfortably navigate the various types of brushes using the 'cepillo de + noun' construction without hesitation. The vocabulary expands to include more specific items like 'cepillo de alambre' (wire brush) or 'cepillo de uñas' (nail brush). B1 students begin to encounter the word in broader contexts, such as at the dentist ('el dentista recomienda un cepillo de cerdas suaves') or at the mechanic. Grammatically, learners practice using 'el cepillo' in more complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences and the subjunctive mood, e.g., 'Te sugiero que cambies tu cepillo de dientes cada tres meses' (I suggest you change your toothbrush every three months). They also learn the verb 'cepillar' in non-reflexive contexts, such as brushing a pet ('cepillar al perro') or brushing dirt off a coat ('cepillar el abrigo'). It is at this level that the false friend 'paintbrush' is explicitly addressed, ensuring students know to use 'brocha' or 'pincel' instead of 'cepillo' for painting. B1 learners also start to pick up on regional variations, understanding that in some Latin American countries, a 'cepillo' might refer to a large push broom used for washing floors, rather than just a small hand brush.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners encounter the specialized and metaphorical uses of 'el cepillo'. The vocabulary broadens to include technical fields. For example, in carpentry, 'el cepillo' refers to a hand plane used for smoothing wood. B2 students read texts or listen to audio where 'cepillar madera' (to plane wood) is discussed. They also learn the cultural and historical meaning of 'el cepillo' as an alms box or collection box in a church ('el cepillo de la iglesia'). This requires an understanding of context to translate correctly. Idiomatic expressions begin to appear, such as 'pasar el cepillo', which can literally mean to brush something off, but colloquially in some regions can mean to flatter someone or to collect money from a group. Grammatically, B2 students use the word effortlessly in passive constructions ('El cepillo fue utilizado para limpiar la escena') and complex relative clauses. They can debate the environmental impact of plastic versus bamboo toothbrushes ('cepillos de bambú'), utilizing advanced vocabulary related to sustainability. The focus shifts from merely knowing the word to using it as a native speaker would in diverse, non-literal, and specialized contexts, demonstrating a deep, flexible command of the Spanish language.
At the C1 advanced level, the word 'el cepillo' is fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary, and the focus is on mastering subtle regionalisms, historical contexts, and advanced idiomatic usage. C1 learners are comfortable reading classic Spanish literature or historical texts where 'el cepillo' refers exclusively to the church alms box, understanding the societal implications of 'dar limosna para el cepillo' (giving alms for the collection box). They understand the etymology of the word, tracing it back to the Latin 'cippus'. In contemporary contexts, they can engage in highly technical discussions, such as the mechanics of an electric toothbrush's oscillation or the specific types of wood planes used in fine cabinetry ('cepillo de carpintero', 'garlopa'). C1 students are aware of colloquialisms and slang derived from the word. For instance, in some South American countries, 'cepillo' or 'cepillero' can be used as slang for a sycophant or flatterer (someone who 'brushes' the boss's ego). They can seamlessly switch registers, using 'cepillo' in a formal dental hygiene essay or in a casual, slang-filled conversation with friends. The word serves as a vehicle for demonstrating sociolinguistic competence and a profound understanding of how Spanish vocabulary adapts across different trades, eras, and geographical boundaries.
At the C2 mastery level, a learner's grasp of 'el cepillo' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They possess an exhaustive knowledge of all its definitions, from the most common daily uses to the most obscure technical and historical applications. C2 users can effortlessly play with the word in literary or poetic contexts, perhaps using the imagery of a brush smoothing out rough edges as a metaphor in creative writing. They understand the deepest regional slang and idiomatic nuances, such as the phrase 'pasar el cepillo' meaning to aggressively ask for donations or to extort, depending on the specific country's colloquialisms. They can analyze texts where 'el cepillo' is used symbolically. In professional settings, a C2 speaker could translate a highly technical manual for woodworking tools, accurately distinguishing between a 'cepillo', a 'cepillo de contrafibra' (block plane), and a 'garlopa' (jointer plane). They can also deliver a formal presentation on the evolution of dental hygiene tools in the Spanish-speaking world. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, 'el cepillo' is no longer just a vocabulary word to be memorized; it is a cultural artifact and a linguistic tool that the C2 speaker wields with absolute precision, elegance, and contextual awareness.
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el cepillo 30秒で

  • A tool with bristles used for cleaning, sweeping, or grooming.
  • Most commonly paired with 'de dientes' (toothbrush) or 'de pelo' (hairbrush).
  • In carpentry, it refers to a hand plane used to smooth wood.
  • Historically and in churches, it means an alms box for donations.

The Spanish word el cepillo is a highly versatile masculine noun that primarily translates to 'brush' in English. It is a fundamental vocabulary word introduced at the A1 CEFR level due to its frequent use in daily routines, personal hygiene, and household chores. Understanding the various contexts in which 'el cepillo' is used is essential for any Spanish learner aiming for fluency.

Cepillo de dientes
This is the most common usage, referring to a toothbrush. It is a daily necessity and one of the first compound nouns learners encounter.

Me lavo los dientes con mi cepillo azul todos los días por la mañana.

Beyond dental care, the word extends to hair care. A hairbrush is known as 'el cepillo de pelo' or simply 'el cepillo' when the context is clear. This distinguishes it from a comb, which is 'el peine'.

Cepillo de pelo
A brush specifically designed for grooming hair, often used alongside a hairdryer (secador).

Ella usa un cepillo de cerdas naturales para su cabello largo.

In household cleaning, 'el cepillo' takes on a different form. It can refer to a scrubbing brush used for floors or clothes. In some regions, a broom is referred to as 'una escoba', but a smaller hand brush for sweeping dust into a pan is often called a 'cepillo'.

Cepillo de barrer
A sweeping brush or push broom used for cleaning large floor areas.

Pásame el cepillo para limpiar esta alfombra sucia.

Interestingly, in carpentry, 'el cepillo' refers to a hand plane—a tool used to shape and smooth wood. This demonstrates the word's evolution from a simple bristled tool to a specialized instrument.

El carpintero afiló la cuchilla de su cepillo antes de trabajar la madera.

Finally, in a religious context, particularly within the Catholic Church, 'el cepillo' refers to the alms box or collection box where donations are placed. This is a very specific, culturally significant usage that advanced learners should recognize.

Dejó unas monedas en el cepillo de la iglesia después de la misa dominical.

To summarize, 'el cepillo' is not just a single object but a category of tools defined by their sweeping, smoothing, or cleaning action, making it a rich and indispensable word in the Spanish language.

Using el cepillo correctly in Spanish involves understanding its collocations, the verbs it pairs with, and the grammatical structures that surround it. Because it is a masculine singular noun, it must always be accompanied by masculine articles and adjectives, such as 'el', 'un', 'este', or 'ese'.

Verb Pairing: Usar
The most straightforward verb to use with cepillo is 'usar' (to use). This works for any type of brush.

Yo uso un cepillo eléctrico para mayor limpieza.

When talking about the action of brushing, Spanish often uses the verb cepillar (to brush) or the reflexive form cepillarse (to brush oneself). This is particularly common for personal hygiene.

Reflexive Usage: Cepillarse
Used when the action of brushing is performed on oneself, such as brushing one's teeth or hair.

Me tengo que cepillar los dientes con mi cepillo nuevo.

When specifying the type of brush, the preposition de is crucial. It acts as a bridge between the core noun 'cepillo' and its specific function or material.

Construction: Cepillo + de + Noun
This formula creates specific compound nouns like cepillo de dientes, cepillo de zapatos, or cepillo de alambre.

Compré un cepillo de zapatos para lustrar mis botas de cuero.

In household chores, you might hear the phrase 'pasar el cepillo', which translates to 'to run the brush over' or 'to brush down'. This is often used when cleaning clothes, upholstery, or floors.

Antes de salir, le pasó el cepillo a su abrigo para quitarle los pelos del gato.

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of 'cepillo' in technical fields like carpentry is important. Here, the verb 'cepillar' means to plane wood, making it smooth and even.

El ebanista ajustó el cepillo para quitar una capa muy fina de madera.

By mastering these verbs, prepositions, and idiomatic phrases, learners can confidently use 'el cepillo' in a wide variety of everyday and specialized situations, ensuring clear and natural communication in Spanish.

The word el cepillo is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, echoing through bathrooms, salons, workshops, and churches. Its presence in daily life means learners will encounter it in numerous and diverse environments.

In the Bathroom (El Baño)
This is the most frequent location. You will hear it in morning routines, dental advice, and roommate conversations.

¿Has visto mi cepillo de dientes? Lo dejé en el lavabo.

Dentists (dentistas) frequently use the word when instructing patients on oral hygiene, often recommending specific types like 'un cepillo de cerdas suaves' (a soft-bristled brush).

At the Hair Salon (La Peluquería)
Hairdressers use various brushes for styling, detangling, and blow-drying.

La peluquera usó un cepillo redondo para dar volumen a mi peinado.

In supermarkets and pharmacies, 'cepillo' is prominently displayed on aisle signs and product packaging. You will find aisles dedicated to 'Cuidado Bucal' (Oral Care) featuring 'cepillos dentales'.

In the Workshop (El Taller)
Carpenters and mechanics use heavy-duty brushes for their trades.

Necesito un cepillo de alambre para quitar el óxido de esta pieza de metal.

When discussing household chores, parents often instruct children to use a brush to clean up messes. In some Latin American countries, a large push broom used for washing patios is called a 'cepillo'.

Lava el patio con agua, jabón y el cepillo grande.

Finally, in historical or religious literature, or when visiting old cathedrals in Spain or Latin America, you will encounter the 'cepillo' as an alms box. Tour guides might point it out when explaining the history of a parish.

El antiguo cepillo de madera de la catedral data del siglo dieciocho.

From the intimate setting of a personal bathroom to the grand halls of a cathedral, 'el cepillo' is a word that bridges the mundane and the historical, making it a fascinating vocabulary item to track across different contexts.

While el cepillo is a basic noun, learners frequently make errors regarding its gender, its distinction from similar tools, and its translation in specific idiomatic contexts. Addressing these mistakes early on ensures more natural-sounding Spanish.

Gender Confusion
Because it ends in '-o', it is masculine. However, learners sometimes confuse it with feminine cleaning tools like 'la escoba' (the broom) or 'la esponja' (the sponge).

Incorrecto: Pásame la cepillo. Correcto: Pásame el cepillo.

A major point of confusion is the difference between a brush and a comb. In English, we brush our hair, but we might also comb it. In Spanish, the tools are strictly separated by vocabulary.

Cepillo vs. Peine
'El cepillo' has bristles (cerdas). 'El peine' has solid teeth (dientes) and is flat.

No puedo desenredar mi cabello rizado con un peine, necesito un cepillo.

Another common error arises when translating 'paintbrush'. A paintbrush used for art or painting walls is NOT a 'cepillo'. It is a 'pincel' (for art) or a 'brocha' (for walls).

False Friends in Translation
Using 'cepillo' for painting will confuse native speakers.

Para pintar la pared, necesitas una brocha, no un cepillo.

Learners also struggle with the reflexive verb 'cepillarse'. When saying 'I brush my teeth', English speakers often try to translate 'my' directly, resulting in awkward phrasing.

Incorrecto: Yo cepillo mis dientes. Correcto: Yo me cepillo los dientes con mi cepillo.

Lastly, pronunciation mistakes occur with the 'll'. Depending on the region, 'cepillo' can be pronounced as 'seh-PEE-yoh' (most common), 'seh-PEE-joh' (Colombia/parts of Mexico), or 'seh-PEE-shoh' (Argentina/Uruguay). Learners should pick one dialectal pronunciation and stick to it for consistency, rather than pronouncing it like an English 'l'.

Asegúrate de pronunciar la doble ele correctamente al pedir un cepillo en la tienda.

Expanding your vocabulary around el cepillo involves learning related tools and synonyms that share similar functions but are used in slightly different contexts. Knowing these distinctions elevates a learner's Spanish from basic to highly proficient.

La Escoba
A broom. While a 'cepillo' can be a small sweeping brush, 'la escoba' is the standard long-handled tool used for sweeping floors.

Primero barro con la escoba y luego limpio los detalles con el cepillo.

For personal grooming, the most closely related word is 'el peine' (the comb). As mentioned in common mistakes, distinguishing between these two is vital for accurate communication in salons or bathrooms.

El Peine
A comb, typically made of plastic, wood, or metal, with a single row of teeth.

Mi padre prefiere usar un peine, pero yo prefiero un cepillo para mi cabello.

When it comes to painting, learners must substitute 'cepillo' with the correct terminology. 'La brocha' is used for broad strokes on walls, while 'el pincel' is for fine art.

La Brocha / El Pincel
Paintbrushes. Brocha for house painting; pincel for canvas painting.

El artista lavó su pincel, mientras el carpintero limpiaba su cepillo.

In the realm of cleaning, 'el estropajo' (scouring pad) or 'la esponja' (sponge) are often used alongside a scrubbing brush. Knowing these allows you to describe a full cleaning routine.

Usa el estropajo para los platos y el cepillo duro para el suelo de la cocina.

Finally, for the religious meaning of 'alms box', synonyms include 'la alcancía' (which generally means piggy bank or collection box) or 'el buzón de donativos'. However, 'el cepillo' remains the traditional term within a church setting.

Las ofrendas se depositan en la alcancía o en el cepillo parroquial.

By understanding 'escoba', 'peine', 'brocha', 'pincel', and 'estropajo', you create a mental web of vocabulary that perfectly frames the specific utility of 'el cepillo'.

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1

Yo tengo un cepillo azul.

I have a blue brush.

Uses the indefinite article 'un' with the masculine noun.

2

Mi cepillo de dientes es nuevo.

My toothbrush is new.

Introduces the compound noun 'cepillo de dientes'.

3

Necesito un cepillo para mi pelo.

I need a brush for my hair.

Uses the preposition 'para' to indicate purpose.

4

El cepillo está en el baño.

The brush is in the bathroom.

Uses the verb 'estar' for location.

5

Me lavo los dientes con el cepillo.

I brush my teeth with the brush.

Pairs the noun with the reflexive verb 'lavarse'.

6

¿Dónde está mi cepillo?

Where is my brush?

Basic interrogative sentence structure.

7

Ella usa un cepillo rojo.

She uses a red brush.

Adjective 'rojo' agrees in gender and number with 'cepillo'.

8

Compro un cepillo en la tienda.

I buy a brush at the store.

Present tense of the regular verb 'comprar'.

1

Ayer compré un cepillo eléctrico muy barato.

Yesterday I bought a very cheap electric toothbrush.

Uses the preterite tense 'compré'.

2

Tienes que cambiar tu cepillo cada tres meses.

You have to change your brush every three months.

Uses the obligation structure 'tener que + infinitive'.

3

Usa este cepillo para limpiar los zapatos sucios.

Use this brush to clean the dirty shoes.

Imperative command 'usa' with a specific purpose.

4

Mi hermana perdió su cepillo de pelo en el hotel.

My sister lost her hairbrush at the hotel.

Possessive adjective 'su' and preterite verb 'perdió'.

5

El dentista me dio un cepillo de regalo.

The dentist gave me a brush as a gift.

Indirect object pronoun 'me' with the verb 'dar'.

6

No me gusta este cepillo porque es muy duro.

I don't like this brush because it is very hard.

Expressing preference with 'gustar' and giving a reason.

7

Pásame el cepillo pequeño, por favor.

Pass me the small brush, please.

Direct object pronoun attached to the imperative 'pásame'.

8

Siempre llevo un cepillo en mi mochila.

I always carry a brush in my backpack.

Adverb of frequency 'siempre' with the verb 'llevar'.

1

Te recomiendo que uses un cepillo de cerdas suaves para no dañar tus encías.

I recommend that you use a soft-bristled brush so as not to damage your gums.

Uses the present subjunctive 'uses' after a recommendation.

2

Si tuviera un cepillo de alambre, podría quitar este óxido fácilmente.

If I had a wire brush, I could remove this rust easily.

Second conditional using imperfect subjunctive 'tuviera' and conditional 'podría'.

3

Estaba cepillando al perro cuando el cepillo se rompió.

I was brushing the dog when the brush broke.

Past continuous 'estaba cepillando' interrupted by preterite 'se rompió'.

4

Es importante que el cepillo esté completamente seco antes de guardarlo.

It is important that the brush is completely dry before storing it.

Impersonal expression triggering the subjunctive 'esté'.

5

Compramos un cepillo especial para quitar los pelos de gato del sofá.

We bought a special brush to remove cat hair from the sofa.

Preterite tense with a specific descriptive phrase.

6

El carpintero afiló la cuchilla del cepillo antes de empezar a trabajar la madera.

The carpenter sharpened the blade of the plane before starting to work the wood.

Introduces the carpentry meaning of 'cepillo'.

7

No olvides pasar el cepillo por tu abrigo negro; tiene mucha pelusa.

Don't forget to run the brush over your black coat; it has a lot of lint.

Negative imperative 'no olvides' and the phrase 'pasar el cepillo'.

8

Ese cepillo ya no sirve; las cerdas están totalmente gastadas.

That brush is no longer useful; the bristles are totally worn out.

Uses 'ya no sirve' to indicate something is broken or useless.

1

Aunque el cepillo eléctrico es más caro, a la larga resulta ser una mejor inversión para la salud dental.

Although the electric toothbrush is more expensive, in the long run it turns out to be a better investment for dental health.

Concessive clause with 'aunque' and advanced vocabulary 'a la larga'.

2

El ebanista deslizó el cepillo sobre el tablón de roble, sacando virutas finas y perfectas.

The cabinetmaker slid the plane over the oak plank, taking off fine, perfect shavings.

Descriptive past tense narrative using specialized carpentry terms.

3

Se rumorea que el sacerdote encontró una moneda de oro antigua dentro del cepillo de la parroquia.

It is rumored that the priest found an old gold coin inside the parish alms box.

Passive reflexive 'se rumorea' and the religious meaning of 'cepillo'.

4

Me habría comprado ese cepillo de bambú si hubiera sabido que era biodegradable.

I would have bought that bamboo toothbrush if I had known it was biodegradable.

Third conditional using conditional perfect and pluperfect subjunctive.

5

Es imperativo que desinfectes el cepillo después de haber estado enfermo de gripe.

It is imperative that you disinfect the brush after having been sick with the flu.

Strong recommendation triggering subjunctive 'desinfectes' and perfect infinitive.

6

Pasaron el cepillo entre los asistentes para recaudar fondos para la familia afectada por el incendio.

They passed the collection box among the attendees to raise funds for the family affected by the fire.

Idiomatic use of 'pasar el cepillo' meaning to collect donations.

7

La textura de la pared quedó muy áspera porque el pintor usó un cepillo en lugar de una brocha fina.

The texture of the wall ended up very rough because the painter used a brush instead of a fine paintbrush.

Contrasting 'cepillo' with the correct term 'brocha'.

8

Apenas terminó de cepillarse, se dio cuenta de que había usado el cepillo de su compañero de piso por error.

As soon as he finished brushing, he realized he had used his roommate's brush by mistake.

Time clause with 'apenas' and pluperfect tense 'había usado'.

1

El meticuloso artesano ajustó la contrahierro del cepillo de carpintero con una precisión milimétrica.

The meticulous artisan adjusted the chipbreaker of the carpenter's plane with pinpoint precision.

Highly technical vocabulary ('contrahierro', 'precisión milimétrica').

2

En la novela histórica, el protagonista esconde un mapa secreto en el doble fondo del cepillo de la catedral.

In the historical novel, the protagonist hides a secret map in the false bottom of the cathedral's alms box.

Literary context using the religious definition of 'cepillo'.

3

Por mucho que le pases el cepillo a ese abrigo de lana, las pelusas seguirán adheridas debido a la estática.

No matter how much you brush that wool coat, the lint will remain attached due to static.

Concessive structure 'Por mucho que + subjunctive'.

4

El término 'cepillo' deriva del latín 'cippus', lo cual evidencia la evolución semántica desde un poste de madera hasta la herramienta actual.

The term 'cepillo' derives from the Latin 'cippus', which evidences the semantic evolution from a wooden post to the current tool.

Academic register discussing etymology and semantic shifts.

5

Harto de la burocracia, el gerente decidió pasar el cepillo y eliminar todos los departamentos redundantes.

Fed up with the bureaucracy, the manager decided to make a clean sweep and eliminate all redundant departments.

Metaphorical/idiomatic use of 'pasar el cepillo' meaning to purge or clean out.

6

La higienista dental impartió una conferencia sobre la superioridad clínica del cepillo sónico frente al rotatorio.

The dental hygienist gave a lecture on the clinical superiority of the sonic toothbrush versus the rotary one.

Formal, professional register with specialized dental terminology.

7

Aquel individuo era conocido en la oficina por ser un 'cepillo', siempre adulando al jefe para conseguir ascensos.

That individual was known in the office for being a 'sycophant', always flattering the boss to get promotions.

Regional slang usage of 'cepillo' as a flatterer or brown-noser.

8

Tras la restauración, el antiguo cepillo de limosnas recuperó su esplendor original, revelando intrincadas tallas renacentistas.

After the restoration, the old alms box recovered its original splendor, revealing intricate Renaissance carvings.

Descriptive, sophisticated vocabulary ('esplendor', 'intrincadas tallas').

1

La garlopa no es más que un cepillo de carpintero de mayores dimensiones, concebido para desbastar superficies extensas con suma eficacia.

The jointer plane is nothing more than a larger carpenter's plane, designed to rough out extensive surfaces with utmost efficiency.

Distinguishing highly specific technical tools ('garlopa' vs 'cepillo').

2

En la picaresca española, el hurto de las monedas del cepillo parroquial constituye un tropo recurrente que satiriza la avaricia clerical.

In Spanish picaresque literature, the theft of coins from the parish alms box constitutes a recurring trope that satirizes clerical greed.

Literary analysis register, discussing tropes and satire.

3

El advenimiento de los polímeros sintéticos supuso una revolución en la manufactura del cepillo de dientes, relegando las cerdas de jabalí a la obsolescencia.

The advent of synthetic polymers represented a revolution in toothbrush manufacturing, relegating boar bristles to obsolescence.

Academic, historical narrative using advanced vocabulary ('advenimiento', 'obsolescencia').

4

Se le acusó de haber pasado el cepillo a los contratistas locales, exigiendo comisiones ilícitas a cambio de adjudicarles las obras públicas.

He was accused of having shaken down the local contractors, demanding illicit commissions in exchange for awarding them public works.

Deep idiomatic slang ('pasar el cepillo' as extortion/shakedown) in a legal context.

5

Cualquier ebanista que se precie sabe que la hoja del cepillo debe afilarse con piedra de agua hasta alcanzar un bisel impecable.

Any self-respecting cabinetmaker knows that the plane's blade must be sharpened with a water stone until achieving an impeccable bevel.

Mastery of niche tradesman terminology ('ebanista', 'piedra de agua', 'bisel').

6

La metáfora del cepillo que alisa las asperezas del alma fue empleada por el poeta para describir el efecto balsámico del tiempo sobre el duelo.

The metaphor of the brush that smooths the roughness of the soul was employed by the poet to describe the balsamic effect of time on grief.

Poetic and abstract metaphorical usage of the noun.

7

A fin de cuentas, la campaña de recaudación no fue más que un eufemismo para pasar el cepillo entre los acólitos más acaudalados de la secta.

At the end of the day, the fundraising campaign was nothing more than a euphemism for passing the collection plate among the sect's wealthiest acolytes.

Cynical, advanced sociopolitical commentary using the idiom.

8

El diseño ergonómico del mango del cepillo mitiga la fatiga muscular durante el cepillado prolongado, evidenciando un notable avance en la biomecánica aplicada.

The ergonomic design of the brush handle mitigates muscle fatigue during prolonged brushing, evidencing a notable advance in applied biomechanics.

Scientific/biomechanical register.

よく使う組み合わせ

cepillo de dientes
cepillo de pelo
cepillo eléctrico
cepillo de carpintero
cepillo de alambre
cepillo de zapatos
pasar el cepillo
usar el cepillo
comprar un cepillo
cepillo suave

よく使うフレーズ

Me lavo los dientes con el cepillo.

Pásale el cepillo a tu abrigo.

Necesito un cepillo nuevo.

El cepillo de la iglesia.

Cepillo de cerdas duras.

Cepillo de cerdas suaves.

¿Dónde está mi cepillo?

Cepillo para la ropa.

Cepillo de barrer.

Darle al cepillo.

よく混同される語

el cepillo vs el peine (comb - flat, no bristles)

el cepillo vs la escoba (broom - long handle, for sweeping floors)

el cepillo vs la brocha (paintbrush - for painting walls)

慣用句と表現

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間違えやすい

el cepillo vs

el cepillo vs

el cepillo vs

el cepillo vs

el cepillo vs

文型パターン

使い方

nuances

The word heavily relies on context or the preposition 'de' to specify its exact meaning. Without context, it usually defaults to toothbrush or hairbrush.

formality

Neutral. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

regionalisms

In some parts of Latin America, 'cepillo' refers to a large push broom for washing floors. In Colombia/Venezuela, it's slang for a flatterer.

よくある間違い
  • Using 'la cepillo' instead of 'el cepillo'. It is a masculine noun.
  • Translating 'paintbrush' as 'cepillo'. The correct words are 'pincel' or 'brocha'.
  • Saying 'cepillo mis dientes' instead of the correct reflexive form 'me cepillo los dientes'.
  • Confusing 'cepillo' (brush) with 'peine' (comb). They are different tools in Spanish.
  • Pronouncing the 'll' like an English 'l'. It should be a 'y' or 'sh' sound.

ヒント

Reflexive Verbs

Always use the reflexive verb 'cepillarse' when brushing your own teeth or hair. For example, 'Me cepillo el pelo'. If you are brushing a dog, use the non-reflexive 'cepillar': 'Cepillo al perro'. This distinction is crucial for sounding natural. Don't forget the reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se).

The Magic of 'De'

Use the preposition 'de' to create specific types of brushes. 'Cepillo de dientes' (toothbrush), 'cepillo de pelo' (hairbrush), 'cepillo de zapatos' (shoe brush). This formula is highly productive in Spanish. Memorize it to easily expand your vocabulary.

Master the 'LL'

Pay attention to the double L ('ll') in cepillo. It is never pronounced like an English 'L'. Depending on the dialect you are learning, pronounce it as a 'Y' or a 'SH'. Listening to native speakers from your target region will help you nail this sound.

Not a Paintbrush

Never use 'cepillo' when talking about painting a picture or a house. English uses 'brush' for both cleaning and painting, but Spanish separates them. Use 'pincel' for art and 'brocha' for walls. A 'cepillo' is strictly for scrubbing, sweeping, or grooming.

The Church Alms Box

If you are visiting historical sites in Spain or Latin America, you might see signs for 'el cepillo'. In this context, it means the donation box. Don't be confused; nobody is asking you to clean the church! It's a centuries-old term.

Regional Flattery

If you are in Colombia or Venezuela and someone says 'Le estás dando cepillo al jefe', they mean you are kissing up to the boss. It's a fun, colloquial idiom. Use it carefully, as it can be slightly derogatory.

C vs S

Remember that 'cepillo' starts with a 'C', not an 'S'. While they sound identical in Latin America (seseo), spelling it 'sepillo' is a major orthographic error. Associate the 'C' with 'Cerdas' (bristles) to help remember.

Broom vs Brush

A 'cepillo' is usually a smaller hand tool, while an 'escoba' is a long-handled broom. However, in some Caribbean and Latin American countries, a large push broom used for washing patios is also called a 'cepillo'. Context is key!

Definite Articles with Body Parts

When saying 'my toothbrush', you say 'mi cepillo'. But when saying 'I brush my teeth', you say 'Me cepillo LOS dientes', not 'mis dientes'. Spanish avoids possessives with body parts when using reflexive verbs.

Carpentry Context

For advanced learners, remember that 'cepillo' is a carpenter's plane. If you are reading a text about woodworking or construction, 'cepillar la madera' means to plane the wood smooth, not to sweep it. This shows high-level vocabulary mastery.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Imagine a PILL (pi) inside a CELL (ce) shaped like a BRUSH. Ce-pi-llo = The brush.

語源

Latin

文化的な背景

Pronounced with the 'th' sound for the 'c' (theceo) and a strong 'll' sound. The church alms box meaning is very common in historical contexts.

Pronounced with an 's' sound for the 'c' (seseo). 'Cepillo' usually refers to a hand brush; a broom is strictly 'escoba'.

Slang alert: 'Dar cepillo' means to flatter someone excessively to get something you want.

The 'll' is pronounced with a 'sh' sound (yeísmo rehilado): /seˈpi.ʃo/.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

会話のきっかけ

"¿Prefieres usar un cepillo eléctrico o uno manual?"

"¿Cada cuánto tiempo cambias tu cepillo de dientes?"

"¿Alguna vez has usado un cepillo de carpintero?"

"¿Qué tipo de cepillo usas para tu cabello?"

"¿Conoces el significado de 'pasar el cepillo' en la iglesia?"

日記のテーマ

Describe tu rutina de la mañana usando las palabras 'cepillo', 'pasta de dientes' y 'espejo'.

Escribe sobre una vez que olvidaste tu cepillo de dientes en un viaje. ¿Qué hiciste?

Investiga y explica la diferencia entre un cepillo y un peine en español.

Escribe una historia corta sobre un carpintero y su cepillo mágico.

¿Qué opinas sobre los cepillos de dientes de bambú para proteger el medio ambiente?

よくある質問

10 問

The word 'cepillo' is masculine. It ends in the letter 'o', which is a common indicator of masculine nouns in Spanish. Therefore, you must use masculine articles like 'el' or 'un'. For example, you say 'el cepillo' or 'un cepillo nuevo'. Never say 'la cepillo'.

To say 'toothbrush', you use the compound phrase 'cepillo de dientes'. This literally translates to 'brush of teeth'. It is the most common use of the word 'cepillo'. You will see this phrase on all dental care products in Spanish-speaking countries.

A 'cepillo' is a brush, meaning it has bristles (cerdas) attached to a base. A 'peine' is a comb, which is flat and has a single row of solid teeth (dientes). You use a 'cepillo' to brush your hair or teeth, and a 'peine' to comb your hair. They are not interchangeable.

No, 'cepillo' is generally not used for painting. If you are painting a wall, you use a 'brocha'. If you are painting a canvas (fine art), you use a 'pincel'. Using 'cepillo' for painting will confuse native speakers, as it implies you are scrubbing the wall.

Literally, it means 'to run the brush over' something, like cleaning a coat. However, it is also a common idiom. In a church context, it means to pass the collection box for donations. In some regions, it colloquially means to ask a group of people for money.

The pronunciation of 'll' varies by region. In most of Spain and Latin America, it sounds like the English 'y' (seh-PEE-yo). In Argentina and Uruguay, it sounds like 'sh' (seh-PEE-sho). In parts of Colombia, it sounds like a soft 'j' (seh-PEE-jo). Pick one and be consistent.

This refers to a hand plane used in woodworking. It is a tool with a sharp blade used to shave off thin layers of wood to make a surface smooth. The verb 'cepillar' in carpentry means to plane wood. This is a specialized, technical use of the word.

In Spanish, when performing an action on your own body parts, you use a reflexive verb (me cepillo) and the definite article (los) instead of a possessive adjective (mis). The reflexive pronoun 'me' already indicates that the teeth belong to you. Saying 'mis dientes' sounds unnatural to native speakers.

In certain countries like Colombia and Venezuela, calling someone a 'cepillo' is slang for a flatterer, sycophant, or 'brown-noser'. It implies the person is 'brushing' someone's ego to get favors, usually a boss or teacher. The phrase 'dar cepillo' means to flatter someone.

Yes, the plural form is 'los cepillos'. You simply add an 's' to the end of the word. For example, 'Necesito comprar dos cepillos de dientes' means 'I need to buy two toothbrushes'. The adjectives modifying it must also be plural, like 'cepillos nuevos'.

自分をテスト 180 問

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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