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cepillo means brush — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 14, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

cepillo

noun • /[seh-PEE-yoh]/

brush

Example:

Necesito un cepillo para el cabello.

I need a hair brush.

🧠 What does cepillo mean?

A cepillo is a tool consisting of bristles or stiff fibers attached to a handle, used for cleaning, grooming, or applying substances. It is a versatile item found in many household and personal care contexts. For example, a cepillo de dientes (toothbrush) is used for oral hygiene, a cepillo para el pelo (hairbrush) for styling hair, and a cepillo de ropa (clothes brush) for removing lint and dirt from garments. The material of the bristles and the size and shape of the cepillo can vary greatly depending on its intended purpose.

📚 Extra examples

  • Necesito un cepillo para limpiar mis zapatos.
    I need a brush to clean my shoes.
  • El cepillo de dientes es fundamental para la higiene bucal.
    The toothbrush is fundamental for oral hygiene.
  • Utiliza un cepillo suave para peinar al perro.
    Use a soft brush to comb the dog.
  • Dejó el cepillo de pintar sobre la mesa.
    He left the paintbrush on the table.
  • Este cepillo quita muy bien el polvo de los muebles.
    This brush removes dust from furniture very well.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'cepillo' comes from the Latin word 'cepillum,' a diminutive of 'cippus,' meaning a post or stake, referring to the handle.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cepillo"

Synonyms: cerda, escobilla, pincel

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'brush' in Spanish?
The most common translation for 'brush' in Spanish is 'cepillo'.
How do you pronounce 'cepillo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'cepillo' is seh-PEE-yo. The 'ce' sounds like 'seh', the 'pi' sounds like 'pee', and the 'llo' has a 'y' sound, similar to the 'lli' in 'million' but softer, followed by an 'o' sound.
How do you use 'cepillo' in a sentence?
'Cepillo' is used in sentences to refer to the object itself or in compound nouns indicating its purpose. For example: 'Compré un cepillo nuevo.' (I bought a new brush.) or 'Ella usa un cepillo para el cabello.' (She uses a hairbrush.)
What is the English translation of 'cepillo'?
The English translation of 'cepillo' is 'brush'.
Does 'cepillo' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'cepillo' is a masculine noun and follows standard Spanish pluralization rules. The singular is 'el cepillo', and the plural is 'los cepillos'.
Is 'cepillo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'cepillo' is a very common word in everyday Spanish, as brushes are used for numerous daily activities such as hygiene, cleaning, and grooming.
Does 'cepillo' have slang or double meanings?
Generally, 'cepillo' does not have widespread slang or double meanings in standard Spanish. Its primary meaning refers to the tool.
Is 'cepillo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning and usage of 'cepillo' are consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations might exist in specific types of brushes or their colloquial descriptions, but 'cepillo' itself is universally understood.

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