Etiqueta vs. pegatina vs. calcomanía
While the Spanish words etiqueta, pegatina, and calcomanía all carry the basic meaning of sticker, they each have unique nuances and contexts in which they are used.
Etiqueta
A2The word etiqueta often relates to label or tag like price or information tags on goods, or a name tag on someone’s clothing. It implies an official or functional reference.
La etiqueta en la camisa dice que está hecha de algodón.
(The label on the shirt says that it is made of cotton.)
Por favor verifique la etiqueta de precio antes de comprar.
(Please check the price tag before buying.)
Pegatina
A2Pegatina relates more to sticker in general context and can be used for decorative, promotional, or informational purposes that is stuck onto something.
Vamos a usar pegatinas para decorar la tarjeta.
(We're going to use stickers to decorate the card.)
Las pegatinas electorales se están volviendo muy populares.
(Election stickers are becoming very popular.)
Calcomanía
B1Calcomanía often refers specifically to a type of sticker or decal that is transferred onto another surface by rubbing or pressing. It is mostly associated with temporary tattoos or vinyl car decals.
Mi hijo quiere una calcomanía de dinosaurio en su brazo.
(My son wants a dinosaur decal on his arm.)
La calcomanía del coche dice que es un híbrido.
(The car decal says it's a hybrid.)
Summary
Etiqueta is usually used in formal contexts and refers to functional labels, pegatina has a broad use and refers generally to any type of sticker, while calcomanía relates to transitory decals often placed on skin or vehicles.