Lael logo

sello means stamp — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 1, 2026

✈️ Travel Spanish

sello

noun • /[SE-yo]/

stamp

Example:

Necesito un sello para esta postal.

I need a stamp for this postcard.

🧠 What does sello mean?

Sello is a masculine noun that primarily refers to a postage stamp, used for mailing letters and packages. It can also refer to an official seal, imprint, or mark, often used to authenticate documents or guarantee authenticity. In a broader sense, it can signify a distinctive characteristic or quality that something possesses.

📚 Extra examples

  • Necesito comprar sellos para enviar estas postales.
    I need to buy stamps to send these postcards.
  • El documento oficial llevaba un sello de cera.
    The official document bore a wax seal.
  • Este vino tiene el sello de calidad de la región.
    This wine has the region's seal of quality.
  • El pasaporte recibió un sello de entrada al país.
    The passport received an entry stamp into the country.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'sello' shares its origin with the Latin word 'sigillum,' which also referred to a small image or seal.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "sello"

Synonyms: estampilla, cuño, timbre, marca, impronta

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'stamp' in Spanish?
The most common translation for 'stamp' in the context of postage is 'sello'.
How do you pronounce 'sello' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is roughly 'SEH-yoh'. The 'll' sound is similar to the 'y' in 'yes' or the 'j' in some pronunciations of 'judge', depending on the regional accent.
How do you use 'sello' in a sentence?
'Sello' is used as a noun. For example, to talk about postage stamps: 'Compré sellos en la oficina de correos.' (I bought stamps at the post office.) To refer to an official seal: 'El sobre tenía un sello oficial.' (The envelope had an official seal.)
What is the English translation of 'sello'?
The primary English translation of 'sello' is 'stamp'. It can also mean 'seal' or 'imprint'.
Does 'sello' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'sello' is a masculine noun. It is singular in its base form and pluralizes to 'sellos'.
Is 'sello' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'sello' is a common word, especially when discussing mail or official documents. Its usage is widespread in both Spain and Latin America.
Does 'sello' have slang or double meanings?
While 'sello' primarily means 'stamp' or 'seal,' in some contexts, it can metaphorically refer to a distinctive mark or characteristic. However, it does not have common slang or vulgar double meanings.
Is 'sello' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meanings of 'sello' as a postage stamp or an official seal are consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations in the pronunciation of the 'll' sound exist, but the word's meaning remains largely the same.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store