Maquillar means to apply makeup to enhance appearance or change it.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to applying cosmetics to the face.
- Can be used reflexively as maquillarse.
- Commonly used in beauty and fashion contexts.
Overview
El verbo 'maquillar' proviene del francés 'maquiller'. Es un verbo regular de la primera conjugación (-ar) que describe la acción de aplicar cosméticos, como base, labial o sombra de ojos. Aunque su uso principal es estético, también puede emplearse en sentido figurado para ocultar la realidad de algo.
Usage Patterns
Se usa frecuentemente como verbo reflexivo 'maquillarse' cuando la acción recae sobre uno mismo. Por ejemplo: 'Me maquillo todas las mañanas'. Cuando se usa de forma transitiva, implica la acción sobre otra persona: 'La estilista va a maquillar a la novia'.
Common Contexts
Es muy común en contextos de belleza, moda, teatro y televisión. También aparece en el lenguaje cotidiano al hablar de rutinas personales de cuidado personal o al prepararse para una fiesta o evento social.
Similar Words comparison
Se diferencia de 'pintar' en que 'maquillar' es específico para cosméticos faciales, mientras que 'pintar' es un término mucho más amplio que puede referirse a usar pintura en paredes o lienzos. 'Adornar' se refiere a colocar accesorios decorativos, no necesariamente cosméticos.
Examples
Me maquillo rápidamente antes de salir.
everydayI put on makeup quickly before leaving.
La empresa intentó maquillar los resultados financieros.
formalThe company tried to doctor the financial results.
¿Te maquillas para la fiesta de esta noche?
informalAre you putting on makeup for the party tonight?
El artista debe maquillar al actor para el personaje.
academicThe artist must apply makeup to the actor for the character.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
quitarse el maquillaje
to take off makeup
maquillaje de noche
evening makeup
maquillaje natural
natural makeup look
Often Confused With
Pintar is a general term for applying color to any surface. Maquillar is restricted to cosmetic application on skin.
Disfrazar means to wear a costume or disguise. Maquillar is only about applying cosmetic products.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb is typically used in the reflexive form 'maquillarse' when referring to one's own self-care routine. In formal business contexts, it is almost exclusively used metaphorically to suggest deception or manipulation of data. It is a neutral term in social settings, ranging from casual to professional.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget the reflexive 'se' when talking about themselves, saying 'Yo maquillo' instead of 'Yo me maquillo'. Another common error is using it to mean painting furniture or walls, which is incorrect. Ensure you distinguish between the literal cosmetic meaning and the figurative manipulative meaning.
Tips
Use reflexive form for daily routine
Remember to use the reflexive pronoun 'se' when talking about your own routine. Say 'Yo me maquillo' instead of 'Yo maquillo'.
Avoid confusion with painting objects
Do not use 'maquillar' for painting walls or canvases. Use the verb 'pintar' for those physical surfaces.
Professional roles in Spanish culture
In Hispanic countries, 'maquillador' is a highly respected creative role. It is common to hear this term in wedding planning or television production.
Word Origin
The word comes from the French 'maquiller', which originally referred to the act of changing or disguising something. It entered Spanish as a loanword to describe the specific practice of cosmetic application.
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, makeup is a significant part of daily social presentation. The role of the 'maquillador' is highly valued in the vibrant film and television industries of countries like Mexico, Spain, and Argentina.
Memory Tip
Think of 'making up' your face. In English, 'to make up' is a direct synonym, which helps link the Spanish 'maquillar' to the English concept of 'making up' your appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsEn el lenguaje coloquial, muchas personas usan 'pintarse' para referirse a maquillarse. Sin embargo, 'maquillarse' es el término preciso y formal para el uso de cosméticos.
La persona que se dedica profesionalmente a esta labor se llama 'maquillador' o 'maquilladora'. Es una profesión muy común en el mundo del cine y la moda.
Sí, en sentido figurado, se usa para decir que alguien oculta la verdad o mejora artificialmente una situación negativa. Por ejemplo: 'Quieren maquillar las cifras de ventas'.
Maquillaje es el sustantivo que designa los productos o el resultado final. Maquillar es la acción verbal de realizar dicha tarea.
Test Yourself
Ella siempre ___ antes de ir a trabajar.
Se requiere la forma reflexiva porque la acción recae sobre ella misma.
¿Qué significa 'maquillar las cifras'?
Es una metáfora donde se intenta hacer algo negativo parecer mejor de lo que es.
a / ella / maquillar / profesional / es / .
Se usa el gerundio para describir la actividad profesional.
Score: /3
Summary
Maquillar means to apply makeup to enhance appearance or change it.
- Refers to applying cosmetics to the face.
- Can be used reflexively as maquillarse.
- Commonly used in beauty and fashion contexts.
Use reflexive form for daily routine
Remember to use the reflexive pronoun 'se' when talking about your own routine. Say 'Yo me maquillo' instead of 'Yo maquillo'.
Avoid confusion with painting objects
Do not use 'maquillar' for painting walls or canvases. Use the verb 'pintar' for those physical surfaces.
Professional roles in Spanish culture
In Hispanic countries, 'maquillador' is a highly respected creative role. It is common to hear this term in wedding planning or television production.
Examples
4 of 4Me maquillo rápidamente antes de salir.
I put on makeup quickly before leaving.
La empresa intentó maquillar los resultados financieros.
The company tried to doctor the financial results.
¿Te maquillas para la fiesta de esta noche?
Are you putting on makeup for the party tonight?
El artista debe maquillar al actor para el personaje.
The artist must apply makeup to the actor for the character.
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