When you're at a post office in a Spanish-speaking country, you might hear the verb sellar used. It means to stamp, as in stamping a letter or a document. For example, if you want your letter sellada (stamped), you would ask for that.
It can also mean to seal something. Think of sealing a package or an envelope shut. You would use sellar in this context too. For instance, if you're packaging something, you need to sellar la caja (seal the box).
§ What 'Sellar' Means
Let's talk about the Spanish verb 'sellar'. At its core, 'sellar' means 'to seal' or 'to stamp'. Think of it as making something secure, official, or closed off. This is a very practical verb you'll encounter in many everyday situations.
- DEFINITION
- To seal, to stamp; to fasten or close securely.
The verb 'sellar' is quite versatile and goes beyond just putting a stamp on an envelope. It implies a sense of finality or security. When you 'sellar' something, you are ensuring it is properly shut, confirmed, or marked. This could be anything from sealing a package to officially validating a document.
§ When People Use 'Sellar'
You'll hear 'sellar' used in several common contexts. Here are the main ones:
- To seal an envelope or package: This is probably the most straightforward use. Just like in English, if you're sending something, you need to seal it.
Necesito sellar esta carta antes de enviarla. (I need to seal this letter before sending it.)
- To stamp a document: When something needs official validation, a 'sello' (stamp) is used, and the action is 'sellar'. This is very common in administrative tasks, like at the post office or with legal papers.
El empleado va a sellar tu pasaporte en la aduana. (The employee will stamp your passport at customs.)
- To close or fasten securely: This usage emphasizes making something airtight, watertight, or simply very firm. Imagine sealing a jar of jam or a window to prevent drafts.
Es importante sellar bien el recipiente para que no se derrame. (It's important to seal the container well so it doesn't spill.)
- Figurative use: Sometimes 'sellar' is used in a more abstract way to mean 'to conclude' or 'to confirm' something, especially an agreement or a destiny. This is less common at the A2 level but good to know for future reference.
Este acuerdo va a sellar nuestra amistad. (This agreement will seal our friendship.)
When you're sealing an envelope, you might use glue or tape. When you're stamping a document, you're using an ink stamp. When you're fastening something securely, you're making sure it's tight and closed. The key takeaway is that 'sellar' always involves an action that results in something being closed, confirmed, or officially marked.
Understanding 'sellar' helps you talk about practical tasks in daily life, from sending mail to dealing with official paperwork. It's a fundamental verb that you'll use frequently, so make sure to practice its conjugation and different applications. Pay attention to the context to understand which specific meaning of 'seal' or 'stamp' is being used. For instance, you wouldn't say 'sellar' a kiss (you'd use 'dar un beso'), but you would 'sellar' a letter with a kiss mark, if that makes sense! It's all about the physical act of sealing or stamping for security or official purposes.
Alright, let's talk about the Spanish word sellar. It's a useful verb that means 'to seal' or 'to stamp,' but it can also mean to 'fasten' or 'close securely.' You'll hear this word in many different contexts, from work to school to the news. Understanding how it's used will help you sound more natural when speaking Spanish.
Think of sellar as a practical word. It's not fancy, and it's used when something needs to be made secure, official, or closed off. Let's break down some common situations where you'll encounter it.
§ At Work
In a professional setting, sellar often comes up when dealing with documents, packages, or agreements.
- DEFINITION
- To officially stamp a document or item.
Necesito sellar estos documentos antes de enviarlos. (I need to stamp these documents before sending them.)
- DEFINITION
- To seal a package or envelope.
Por favor, asegúrate de sellar bien el paquete para que no se abra. (Please make sure to seal the package well so it doesn't open.)
§ At School
Even in a school environment, sellar can appear, especially in administrative tasks or when discussing projects.
- DEFINITION
- To formally approve or validate something with a stamp.
La secretaría puede sellar tu certificado. (The secretary can stamp your certificate.)
- DEFINITION
- To close off or secure an area.
Vamos a sellar el aula por la noche. (We are going to seal off the classroom for the night.)
§ In the News
News reports often use sellar to describe events where something is finalized, closed, or secured, especially in legal or political contexts.
- DEFINITION
- To finalize or conclude an agreement or deal.
Ambos países buscan sellar un nuevo acuerdo comercial. (Both countries are looking to seal a new trade agreement.)
- DEFINITION
- To close off a border or area securely.
Las autoridades decidieron sellar la frontera temporalmente. (The authorities decided to temporarily seal the border.)
As you can see, sellar is a versatile word. Pay attention to the context, and you'll quickly get the hang of its different meanings. Keep practicing, and you'll be using it like a native speaker in no time!
Curiosidade
The word 'sellar' is a direct descendent of the Latin 'sigillare', which shares a root with the English word 'seal'. This connection highlights the enduring nature of language and how words evolve over centuries while retaining their core meanings.
Exemplos por nível
Tienes que sellar la carta antes de enviarla.
You have to seal the letter before sending it.
El cartero va a sellar el paquete.
The postman is going to stamp the package.
Quiero sellar la ventana para que no entre el frío.
I want to seal the window so the cold doesn't come in.
Necesitas sellar el sobre con pegamento.
You need to seal the envelope with glue.
El médico va a sellar mi pasaporte.
The doctor is going to stamp my passport.
Ella quiere sellar el documento importante.
She wants to seal the important document.
Por favor, sella la caja con cinta.
Please, seal the box with tape.
Vamos a sellar la botella para que no se derrame.
We are going to seal the bottle so it doesn't spill.
Sella la carta antes de enviarla.
Seal the letter before sending it.
Imperative form of 'sellar'.
Tienes que sellar el pasaporte al entrar al país.
You have to get your passport stamped when entering the country.
'Sellar' can also mean 'to stamp' official documents.
Los albañiles sellaron todas las grietas de la pared.
The builders sealed all the cracks in the wall.
Past tense of 'sellar'.
Es importante sellar bien los alimentos para que duren más.
It's important to seal food well so it lasts longer.
Using 'sellar' with food containers.
El presidente selló el acuerdo con un apretón de manos.
The president sealed the agreement with a handshake.
'Sellar' can be used metaphorically for agreements.
Después de la renovación, sellaron el balcón para evitar filtraciones.
After the renovation, they sealed the balcony to prevent leaks.
Past tense, referring to sealing a structure.
La caja fuerte está sellada con un código de seguridad.
The safe is sealed with a security code.
Passive voice with 'estar sellada'.
No olvides sellar el paquete antes de llevarlo a correos.
Don't forget to seal the package before taking it to the post office.
Imperative form, similar to the first example.
Selle la carta con cera para asegurar su confidencialidad y autenticidad.
Seal the letter with wax to ensure its confidentiality and authenticity.
Here, 'sellar' is used in its most direct sense of sealing a document.
El notario debe sellar todos los documentos legales para que tengan validez oficial.
The notary must stamp all legal documents so that they have official validity.
In this context, 'sellar' refers to stamping a document with an official seal.
Es importante sellar bien los paquetes antes de enviarlos para evitar que se abran durante el transporte.
It is important to seal packages well before sending them to prevent them from opening during transport.
Here, 'sellar' means to close securely, often with tape or glue.
La empresa decidió sellar el acuerdo con un apretón de manos, demostrando confianza mutua.
The company decided to seal the agreement with a handshake, demonstrating mutual trust.
Figurative use of 'sellar' to mean finalize or confirm an agreement.
Para mantener la frescura de los alimentos, es crucial sellar herméticamente los recipientes.
To maintain food freshness, it is crucial to hermetically seal containers.
'Sellar herméticamente' is a common phrase meaning to seal airtight.
La policía tuvo que sellar la zona del crimen para preservar las pruebas y evitar la entrada de curiosos.
The police had to seal off the crime scene to preserve evidence and prevent curious onlookers from entering.
In this case, 'sellar' means to cordon off or restrict access to an area.
Con cada gol, el equipo visitante parecía sellar su victoria, dejando pocas esperanzas al equipo local.
With each goal, the visiting team seemed to seal their victory, leaving little hope for the home team.
Figurative use of 'sellar' to mean secure or guarantee a positive outcome.
El artista suele sellar sus obras con su firma personal y un pequeño emblema distintivo.
The artist usually stamps his works with his personal signature and a small distinctive emblem.
Refers to marking something with a distinctive stamp or signature.
Padrões gramaticais
Padrões de frases
Yo sello [noun].
Yo sello la carta. (I seal the letter.)
Tú sellas [noun].
Tú sellas el sobre. (You seal the envelope.)
[Subject] sella [noun] con [instrument].
Ella sella el paquete con cinta. (She seals the package with tape.)
Necesitamos sellar [noun].
Necesitamos sellar la botella. (We need to seal the bottle.)
[Subject] puede sellar [noun] para [purpose].
El cartero puede sellar el documento para la entrega. (The postman can stamp the document for delivery.)
Antes de [action], hay que sellar [noun].
Antes de enviar, hay que sellar la caja. (Before sending, you have to seal the box.)
Es importante que [subject] selle [noun] correctamente.
Es importante que el chef selle el recipiente correctamente. (It's important that the chef seals the container correctly.)
Si no sellas [noun], [consequence].
Si no sellas el contrato, no será válido. (If you don't seal the contract, it won't be valid.)
Como usar
When talking about making something airtight or watertight, like a container or a window, sellar is the right word. It's also used for applying a stamp or a seal, such as on a document or a package. Think of it as ensuring something is properly closed or marked with an official impression.
A common mistake is confusing sellar with cerrar (to close). While they can both involve closing, sellar implies a more permanent or secure closure, often involving an adhesive or a physical seal. For example, you cierras a door, but you sellas an envelope. Another mistake is using it for situations where 'to stamp' refers to stomping your foot; for that, you'd use pisotear or golpear con el pie.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Imagine a **SELL**er who wants to **SELL** products. To prevent tampering, he needs to **SEAL** the packaging securely. So, 'sellar' is like what a seller does to seal things.
Associação visual
Picture a letter being sealed with a blob of wax and a signet ring. Visualize the action of pressing the ring into the wax, 'sellar'ing the envelope.
Word Web
Desafio
Describe three different scenarios where you would 'sellar' something. For example, 'Sellar una carta' (To seal a letter). Then, try to use 'sellar' in a new sentence.
Origem da palavra
Latin 'sigillare'
Significado original: To seal, to set with a seal
Indo-European, Italic, RomanceContexto cultural
When you think of 'sellar' in a Spanish-speaking context, it's very practical. You might hear it when talking about <b>'sellar una carta'</b> (to seal a letter) or <b>'sellar un documento'</b> (to stamp a document). It's also used for things like <b>'sellar una herida'</b> (to seal a wound), showing its versatility in everyday use beyond just official papers.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
When sending a letter or package.
- Necesito sellar esta carta. (I need to seal this letter.)
- ¿Dónde puedo sellar el paquete? (Where can I seal the package?)
- Asegúrate de sellar bien el sobre. (Make sure to seal the envelope well.)
When something is officially stamped or marked.
- El pasaporte ha sido sellado. (The passport has been stamped.)
- El documento necesita ser sellado por la oficina. (The document needs to be stamped by the office.)
- ¿Está sellado el permiso? (Is the permit stamped?)
When closing a container tightly.
- Sella la bolsa de patatas para que no se pongan rancias. (Seal the bag of chips so they don't go stale.)
- Hay que sellar bien el tupper para que no se salga la comida. (You have to seal the container well so the food doesn't spill.)
- ¿Puedes sellar el frasco de mermelada? (Can you seal the jam jar?)
In a more figurative sense, to 'seal' a deal or an agreement.
- Han sellado el trato con un apretón de manos. (They sealed the deal with a handshake.)
- Esta firma sella nuestro acuerdo. (This signature seals our agreement.)
- Necesitamos sellar nuestro compromiso. (We need to seal our commitment.)
When sealing a leak or a crack.
- Tenemos que sellar la ventana para que no entre el frío. (We have to seal the window so the cold doesn't come in.)
- Usa silicona para sellar la fuga. (Use silicone to seal the leak.)
- El fontanero va a sellar la tubería. (The plumber is going to seal the pipe.)
Iniciadores de conversa
"¿Has sellado ya todas las invitaciones para la fiesta?"
"¿En qué situaciones crees que es importante sellar un documento?"
"¿Qué cosas en tu casa necesitas sellar a menudo?"
"¿Alguna vez has sellado un trato importante en tu vida?"
"¿Cómo sellarías un sobre si no tuvieras pegamento?"
Temas para diário
Describe un momento en el que necesitaste sellar algo importante y por qué era importante.
Imagina que eres un detective y necesitas sellar una escena del crimen. ¿Qué pasos seguirías?
Piensa en un objeto que se sella de forma inusual. Describe cómo funciona.
Escribe sobre cómo la acción de 'sellar' puede tener un significado metafórico en las relaciones humanas.
Si pudieras sellar un recuerdo para siempre, ¿cuál sería y por qué?
Teste-se 48 perguntas
Yo necesito ___ el sobre antes de enviarlo. (I need to ___ the envelope before sending it.)
The context implies the action of closing an envelope securely before sending it, for which 'sellar' (to seal) is the correct verb.
Ella va a ___ el paquete para que no se abra. (She is going to ___ the package so it doesn't open.)
To prevent a package from opening, one would 'sellar' (to seal) it securely.
¿Puedes ___ la carta, por favor? (Can you ___ the letter, please?)
When referring to a letter, 'sellar' means to seal it shut.
El cartero necesita ___ el sello en el paquete. (The mailman needs to ___ the stamp on the package.)
In this context, 'sellar' refers to the action of stamping something, like a stamp on a package.
Quiero ___ la caja con cinta adhesiva. (I want to ___ the box with tape.)
Using tape to close a box securely is an act of 'sellar' (to seal).
Es importante ___ la botella para que no se derrame. (It is important to ___ the bottle so it doesn't spill.)
To prevent a bottle from spilling, you would 'sellar' (to seal) it.
Which word means 'to seal'?
'Sellar' is the correct Spanish word for 'to seal'.
What does 'sellar' mean in English?
'Sellar' translates to 'to seal' or 'to stamp'.
Choose the correct sentence: The letter needs to be sealed.
To say 'to be sealed' in this context, we use 'sellar'.
The word 'sellar' means 'to open'.
'Sellar' means 'to seal' or 'to stamp', not 'to open'.
You can 'sellar' a letter.
Yes, 'sellar una carta' means 'to seal a letter'.
The verb 'sellar' is used to describe eating.
'Sellar' is for sealing or stamping, not eating.
Which word means 'to seal'?
'Sellar' means to seal or to stamp.
What is the best translation for 'sellar el paquete'?
'Sellar' means to seal, so 'sellar el paquete' means to seal the package.
Choose the correct sentence: The letter needs to be sealed.
In this context, 'ser sellada' (to be sealed) is the correct passive construction.
The verb 'sellar' can mean to close something securely.
'Sellar' means to seal, to stamp, and also to fasten or close securely.
If you 'sellas' a document, you are probably signing it with your name.
'Sellar' means to stamp, not to sign with your name. You might stamp a document, but not sign it using 'sellar'.
The word 'sellar' is only used for envelopes.
'Sellar' can be used for many things, like packages, documents, or even agreements, not just envelopes.
This sentence means 'She is going to seal the letter.' The verb 'sellar' is used in its infinitive form after 'va a'.
This sentence means 'I need to seal the package well.' 'Sellar' is used as an infinitive after 'necesito'.
This sentence means 'The stamp doesn't want to stick/seal.' Here, 'sellar' refers to the action of the stamp.
Choose the best translation for 'sellar el trato'.
'Sellar el trato' is a common idiomatic expression meaning to finalize an agreement.
Which of these objects is most likely to be 'sellado' in a post office?
Letters are often sealed and stamped at a post office.
If you 'sellar' a bottle, what are you doing?
'Sellar' means to close something securely, often with a seal or stamp.
When you 'sellar' a document, you are putting a stamp on it.
One common meaning of 'sellar' is to stamp, especially in an official context like with documents.
If a door is 'sellada', it means it is wide open.
If a door is 'sellada', it means it is securely closed, not wide open.
You can 'sellar' a letter to send it in the mail.
Letters are commonly sealed (closed) and stamped ('selladas') before mailing.
Para asegurar la frescura del producto, debemos ___ el envase herméticamente después de cada uso.
In this context, 'sellar' means to close securely, which is necessary to maintain the product's freshness. The other options do not fit the meaning.
Después de la firma, el notario procedió a ___ el documento con su sello oficial, validando así su autenticidad.
Here, 'sellar' refers to stamping a document with an official seal to validate it, a common practice for notaries.
La empresa decidió ___ un acuerdo de confidencialidad con todos sus empleados para proteger su información sensible.
In this case, 'sellar un acuerdo' means to formally conclude or finalize an agreement, often with a commitment to confidentiality.
El pintor tuvo que ___ las grietas de la pared antes de aplicar la nueva capa de pintura para un acabado perfecto.
'Sellar las grietas' means to close them securely, preventing further damage and creating a smooth surface for painting.
Para evitar fugas de aire, es fundamental ___ correctamente las ventanas antes de que llegue el invierno.
To prevent air leaks, windows must be 'selladas' (sealed) securely, which implies closing them tightly and often adding weatherstripping.
La embajada requiere que todos los documentos de viaje estén debidamente ___ por el consulado antes de la salida.
Travel documents often need to be 'sellados' (stamped) by the consulate as an official verification or approval.
Choose the most appropriate synonym for 'sellar' in the context of finalizing a deal.
'Sellar' can mean to finalize or confirm, similar to 'concretar' (to make concrete, to finalize).
Which sentence uses 'sellar' in a figurative sense to indicate a strong emotional bond?
Here, 'sellar' is used metaphorically to mean confirming or establishing a deep connection.
In a culinary context, what does 'sellar la carne' typically refer to?
In cooking, 'sellar la carne' means to sear the meat, creating a crust to lock in moisture and flavor.
The phrase 'sellar un pacto' implies breaking an agreement.
'Sellar un pacto' means to seal or confirm a pact, indicating an agreement has been made, not broken.
If you 'sellas tu destino', it means you are actively shaping your future.
'Sellar tu destino' is a figurative expression meaning to determine or confirm your future actions or path.
When a document is 'sellado', it always means it has been signed by an individual.
While a signed document might be sealed, 'sellado' primarily refers to being stamped or officially marked, which can be done by an authority, not necessarily a signatory.
You are writing a formal letter of complaint regarding a faulty product. The product was supposed to be hermetically sealed, but it arrived open. Explain the issue and demand a replacement. Use 'sellar' in your response.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Estimados señores, Me dirijo a ustedes para expresar mi profunda insatisfacción con el producto que recibí el día [fecha]. Adquirí su [nombre del producto], el cual se anunciaba como herméticamente sellado. Sin embargo, al abrir el paquete, noté que el sello estaba roto y el contenido comprometido. Es inaceptable que un producto que depende de estar bien sellado llegue en estas condiciones. Exijo un reemplazo inmediato y un reembolso de los gastos de envío. Espero su pronta respuesta y una solución a este problema.
Describe a historical event where a treaty or agreement was 'sealed' through a significant action or ceremony. Focus on the nuances of how the agreement was finalized and its implications. Use 'sellar' at least twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La firma del Tratado de Versalles, que puso fin a la Primera Guerra Mundial, fue un evento trascendental que no solo selló la paz, sino que también sembró las semillas de futuros conflictos. La solemnidad de la ceremonia, donde los representantes de las potencias aliadas y de Alemania rubricaron el documento, buscaba sellar el destino de Europa por las próximas décadas. Sin embargo, la dureza de las condiciones impuestas a Alemania significó que este 'sello' de paz fue, para muchos, un mero preludio a una inestiladad aún mayor. La comunidad internacional intentó sellar las heridas de la guerra, pero al final, solo lograron crear nuevas tensiones.
Imagine you are an architect designing a new, eco-friendly building. Explain how you would ensure the building is properly 'sealed' to maximize energy efficiency and minimize heat loss/gain. Be specific about the materials and techniques you would use.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Para asegurar que el edificio sea verdaderamente eco-amigable y energéticamente eficiente, es crucial sellar meticulosamente cada junta y abertura. Utilizaríamos membranas impermeables y transpirables de alta calidad para sellar la envolvente del edificio, impidiendo así la entrada de humedad y la pérdida de calor. Además, se emplearían selladores elastoméricos alrededor de ventanas y puertas, así como espumas aislantes en cavidades difíciles de alcanzar para sellar cualquier puente térmico. La clave es un diseño hermético que permita controlar la ventilación de manera activa, en lugar de depender de infiltraciones no deseadas que comprometan la eficiencia. Queremos sellar el edificio contra los elementos, pero permitiendo que respire de forma controlada.
¿Cuál es el propósito principal de sellar la vasija en el contexto del pasaje?
Read this passage:
El anciano alfarero, con manos expertas, procedió a sellar la vasija con una capa de barniz, garantizando así su impermeabilidad y durabilidad. Cada movimiento era una danza de precisión, un ritual transmitido de generación en generación para preservar el arte y la funcionalidad de sus creaciones. Este proceso no solo sellaba el objeto, sino que también marcaba el final de un arduo trabajo y la preparación para su uso.
¿Cuál es el propósito principal de sellar la vasija en el contexto del pasaje?
El pasaje indica claramente que el barniz se usa para 'garantizar así su impermeabilidad y durabilidad'.
El pasaje indica claramente que el barniz se usa para 'garantizar así su impermeabilidad y durabilidad'.
Según el texto, ¿qué representa principalmente un apretón de manos en la diplomacia?
Read this passage:
En la diplomacia, un apretón de manos puede sellar un acuerdo tan firmemente como cualquier documento oficial. A lo largo de la historia, muchos pactos cruciales han sido ratificados con este gesto simple, pero cargado de significado. Representa confianza y compromiso mutuo, y aunque a veces los acuerdos sellados de esta forma se rompen, el simbolismo perdura como un recordatorio del honor implícito.
Según el texto, ¿qué representa principalmente un apretón de manos en la diplomacia?
El pasaje menciona que el apretón de manos 'Representa confianza y compromiso mutuo'.
El pasaje menciona que el apretón de manos 'Representa confianza y compromiso mutuo'.
¿Qué elementos principales se mencionan para sellar la bodega y proteger sus contenidos?
Read this passage:
La bodega, construida hace siglos, estaba diseñada para sellar sus contenidos del mundo exterior, protegiéndolos de los cambios de temperatura y la humedad. Las gruesas paredes de piedra y la ausencia de ventanas contribuían a crear un ambiente estable, ideal para el añejamiento de vinos. Los antiguos maestros constructores sabían que, para preservar la calidad, era esencial sellar el espacio de forma eficaz.
¿Qué elementos principales se mencionan para sellar la bodega y proteger sus contenidos?
El texto especifica que 'Las gruesas paredes de piedra y la ausencia de ventanas contribuían a crear un ambiente estable' para sellar la bodega.
El texto especifica que 'Las gruesas paredes de piedra y la ausencia de ventanas contribuían a crear un ambiente estable' para sellar la bodega.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
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abonar
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abril
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acercarse
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