impreso

Impreso is a Spanish term that functions as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it describes something that has been produced by printing, for example, un libro impreso or una etiqueta impresa. The feminine form is impresa. As a noun, un impreso refers to a printed form or document to be filled out, such as un impreso de solicitud, un impreso de declaración o un impreso oficial.

Etymologically, impreso comes from the verb imprimir, which in turn derives from Latin imprimere, meaning to press into. The form impreso has become the standard past participle for describing printed material in many Spanish-speaking regions, though regional usage can vary and some contexts may use imprimido.

Usage and meaning in contemporary Spanish center on two main senses. First, as a descriptor of physical materials: productos, documentos or packaging that are printed on paper or another medium. Second, as a noun: a printed form used to collect information or to document a transaction, such as a government form, a school registration sheet, or a work-order impreso. In everyday language, impreso often appears in phrases such as formularios impresos or documentos impresos; the wording emphasizes the material being in print rather than digital.

Impreso contrasts with impresión, which denotes the act or process of printing, and with digital formats such as electronic or online documents. In many contexts, documents may exist in printed (impreso) or electronic form, influencing terminology and workflow in administration and commerce.