graffiti
word
/ɡɹəˈfiti/
/ɡɹɐfˈiːti/
Definition
Graffiti is writing or drawings that are painted, written, or scratched on public surfaces, usually walls, often without permission. It is considered both a form of street art and sometimes vandalism.
Usage & Nuances
Usually uncountable, used with 'some' or 'a lot of'. Often associated with urban culture and youth. Can refer to simple words or elaborate murals. Sometimes confused with 'murals' (which are usually legal and commissioned).
Spanish: grafiti - pintadaPortuguese (BR): grafitePortuguese (PT): graffiti - grafitoChinese (Simplified): 涂鸦Chinese (Traditional): 塗鴉Hindi: ग्राफिटीArabic: غرافيتي - رسومات جداريةBengali: গ্রাফিতিRussian: граффитиJapanese: グラフィティVietnamese: graffiti - hình vẽ trên tườngKorean: 그래피티Turkish: grafitiUrdu: گرافٹیIndonesian: grafiti
Example Sentences
Some graffiti includes powerful messages about society.
natural
There is a lot of graffiti on that wall.
basic
The city wants to clean up the graffiti.
basic
Some people think graffiti is art.
basic
Someone painted new graffiti near the train station last night.
natural
I love taking photos of street graffiti when I travel.
natural