Body Parts Vocabulary in Spanish
Learn the Spanish translation for various body parts. Enhance your vocabulary in an interesting and engaging way!
coger
take
The Spanish verb 'coger' primarily translates to 'take' in English but it can be used in a variety of contexts with different translations. For example, it could mean 'to take' in the sense of taking an object, 'to take' in the sense of taking a form of transportation, 'to catch' as in catching a ball or 'to catch' as in catching a disease. Furthermore, it is used in numerous casual and idiomatic phrases so its translation can differ according to context.
colon
colon
The Spanish word 'colon' translates to 'colon' in English, which can refer to a punctuation mark used to separate two main clauses that could stand alone as complete sentences, or it can also refer to a part of the human body, specifically a part of the digestive tract. The usage is largely dependent on the context it is used in.
contraer los músculos
to contract muscles
The Spanish phrase 'contraer los músculos' translates to 'to contract muscles' in English. It refers to the action of a muscle or a muscle group making a movement by becoming shorter or tighter. This term can be used in a variety of contexts but is most commonly used in the fields of physiology and physical fitness. In these fields, muscle contraction can imply various body movements such as lifting weights, running, or simply doing physical exercises.
corazón
heart
In Spanish, 'corazón' is the term used to refer to the organ in our chest that pumps blood around our body. It is also frequently used in a metaphorical sense to refer to the center or core of something, or to represent emotions and feelings, much like in English. For example, 'de todo corazón' which translates to 'from the bottom of my heart'.
Example sentences with corazón →córnea
cornea
The Spanish word 'córnea' translates to 'cornea' in English. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It plays a pivotal role in focusing your vision as it allows light to enter the eye. In Spanish-speaking countries, 'córnea' is used in the same context as it is in English, often in medical or scientific conversations.
costilla
rib
The word 'costilla' is a Spanish term that translates to 'rib' in English. It is most commonly used in contexts related to anatomy and food. In terms of anatomy, 'costilla' refers to any of the curved bones which form the chest wall in humans and many animals, protecting the heart and lungs. In a culinary context, 'costillas' often refers to a popular dish, often being a cut of meat from this area of an animal, most typically a cow or pig, and often barbecued or roasted as a delicious meal.
cráneo
skull
The Spanish word 'cráneo' translates to 'skull' in English. This term is usually used in a biological or medical context to refer to the structure of the head that encloses the brain and supports the structures of the face. It is composed of several bones, including the cranium (upper part) and the facial bones. These bones are often studied in both human and animal anatomy. Understanding the term 'cráneo' could be useful if you're taking a biology class in Spanish, or if you'll be visiting a doctor or hospital in a Spanish-speaking country.
cruzar las piernas
cross your legs
The Spanish phrase 'cruzar las piernas' is a command in English that means 'cross your legs'. It is an instruction often given in contexts such as physical wellness classes like yoga or general etiquette. In addition to its literal meaning, the phrase can also colloquially imply the act of waiting patiently or with decorum. Note that 'cruzar' means 'to cross' and 'piernas' means 'legs' in English. Therefore, the literal translation is 'cross the legs'. In Spanish, the whole phrase is more often used, particularly in a formal context.
cruzar los brazos
cross your arms
The Spanish phrase 'cruzar los brazos' translates to 'cross your arms' in English. It is often used to describe the physical action of placing one arm across the other, often done when a person is defensive, doubting, or simply relaxed. It is also used metaphorically in both languages to indicate refusal or resistance to an idea or request.
cruzarse de piernas
cross your legs
The term 'cruzarse de piernas' in Spanish directly translates to 'cross your legs' in English. This is used to describe the physical action of placing one leg on top of the other, typically done while seated. The term is widely used in day-to-day conversations, especially in the context of basic manners or body language discussions.
cuello
neck
The Spanish word 'cuello' translates to 'neck' in English. It refers to the part of the body that connects the head to the rest of the body. This term is used in various contexts, such as anatomy, clothing, and phrases. In anatomy, 'cuello' refers to the physical body part. In clothing, 'cuello' might refer to the neck or collar of a shirt or top. In phrases, an example is 'romper el cuello', a Spanish idiom referring to straining one's neck.
dar un puñetazo
give a punch
The Spanish phrase 'dar un puñetazo' translates to 'give a punch' in English. This phrase is typically used to describe the action of hitting someone or something with a closed hand, similar to its usage in English. It can be used in both a literal sense, such as physically punching someone or something, or figuratively, to represent a strong or impactful action or response.
dar una patada
kick
The Spanish phrase 'dar una patada' directly translates as 'give a kick'. In English usage, we simply say 'kick'. This phrase can be used in various contexts just like in English. It's often used to describe the action in sports such as football, or in a physical altercation where one person might 'kick' another. So if you hear or read 'dar una patada', you can be sure it refers to the act of using the foot or leg in a swift motion to hit or strike something or someone.
dedo
finger
The Spanish word 'dedo' translates to 'finger' in English. In both languages, this word refers to each of the five digits extending from the palm of the hand, specifically the four phalanges (long tubular bones) and the thumb, which is slightly different in structure. In Spanish, the plural of 'dedo' is 'dedos'. The word can also be used in various expressions or phrases, such as 'levantar el dedo' which translates to 'raise a finger', or 'no mover un dedo' which means 'not lift a finger'.
deporte
sport
The word 'deporte' in Spanish translates to 'sport' in English. Its usage is similar to English, being used to talk about physical activities in which individuals or teams compete against each other. For example, 'Futbol es un deporte popular en España' translates to 'Football is a popular sport in Spain'. Like in English, the noun 'deporte' can also be used in general to discuss the concept of physical exercise and activity.
Example sentences with deporte →ducharse
shower
The Spanish verb 'ducharse' translates to 'to shower' in English. In Spanish, the reflexive form 'ducharse' refers to oneself taking a shower. It is a regular -ar verb and follows typical verb conjugation rules in Spanish, except in reflexive form, it requires reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se). For example, 'me ducho' translates as 'I shower' in English.
Example sentences with ducharse →embarazo
pregnancy
The Spanish word 'embarazo' translates to 'pregnancy' in English. It's a noun that refers to the period of time during which a woman carries a developing fetus inside her womb, typically a period of approximately nine months. In a wider context, 'embarazo' can also be used in Spanish to refer to a state of being embarrassed or feeling awkward in certain situations, although it's crucial to note that this usage is less common and the context is essential to understand the meaning.
escupir
spit
The Spanish word 'escupir' is a verb that translates to 'spit' in English. It is mostly used to describe the act of forcefully ejecting saliva or substance from one's mouth. It can also symbolize disdain or disrespect depending on the context in which it is used. In conjugal forms, it may change to 'escupo' for 'I spit', 'escupes' for 'you spit', among others.
espirar
breathe
The Spanish word 'espirar' translates to 'breathe' in English. This is a verb which refers to the process of inhaling and exhaling air using the lungs. It is an essential action for life, providing necessary oxygen to the body and expelling carbon dioxide during the process. 'Espirar' is used in many phraseological contexts, similar to how 'breathe' is used in English, including literal breathing and figurative expressions.
esqueleto
skeleton
The word 'esqueleto' in Spanish translates to 'skeleton' in English. A skeleton is the internal framework of bones within the body of a living organism. In Spanish, 'esqueleto' is commonly used in both scientific and casual contexts, just like its English counterpart, to refer to the structure that supports and protects an organism's body parts. This framework plays a crucial role in movement as it provides attachment points for muscles and capacities for internal organs. It is a frequently used term in biological and medical sciences, as well as in popular culture, arts, and literature, often conveying symbolic meanings.
estar agachado
be crouched
The Spanish term 'estar agachado' translates to 'be crouched' in English. This often refers to the position or action of lowering your body by bending your legs. This term can be used in various contexts in both languages, including the literal physical act of crouching or the figurative sentiment of remaining in a low or humble state.
estar derecho
stand straight
The Spanish phrase 'estar derecho' is directly translated to English as 'stand straight'. It is composed of the verb 'estar', which indicates state or condition, and the adjective 'derecho', meaning straight or upright. This phrase can be used in various contexts involving body posture, behavior or even moral standards. For instance, if you're speaking about body posture, 'estar derecho' suggests maintaining an upright position, not slumping or leaning. In a broader metaphorical or symbolic context, 'estar derecho' might refer to acting correctly or morally upright according to social norms or personal beliefs.
estar sentado
sitting
The Spanish phrase 'estar sentado' translates to 'sitting' in English. The phrase is used to describe the action of being seated, or currently resting in a seated position. It is the present participle of the verb 'sentar' in conjunction with the verb 'estar' which is used to indicate ongoing or current states or actions.
estómago
stomach
The word 'estómago' is a Spanish noun that translates to 'stomach' in English. It is often used in both medical and everyday contexts. In anatomy, the 'estómago' is part of the digestive system where the process of digestion begins. The word is masculine and so it would be 'el estómago'.
estornudar
sneeze
The Spanish word 'estornudar' means to sneeze in English. This is a verb, and it refers to the act of forcibly ejecting air or other substances from the lungs through the nose and mouth generally caused by irritation in the nasal mucus. It is a common physiological phenomena often associated with colds, allergies, or certain physical stimuli.
estremecerse
shudder
The Spanish word 'estremecerse' translates to 'shudder' in English. This word is a reflexive verb which denotes the action of trembling, usually as a response to fear, cold, or excitement. It can be used in various contexts, for instance in describing physical reactions, emotional responses or metaphorical situations.
fecundación
fertilization
The word 'fecundación' in Spanish translates to 'fertilization' in English. This process, in biological terms, refers to the action or process of fertilizing an egg, female animal, or plant, involving the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.
fruncir el ceño
frown
The Spanish phrase 'fruncir el ceño' translates to 'frown' in English. It is often used to describe the action of contracting the brow, usually as a display of displeasure, disagreement, or deep thought. A common equivalent in English would be to 'furrow one's brow'. For instance, when someone is upset or confused, they are often said to 'fruncir el ceño' in Spanish.
garganta
throat
The Spanish word 'garganta' translates to 'throat' in English. It is used in both languages to refer to the passage from the back of the mouth to the start of the esophagus. This term could be found in both medical and everyday contexts. In Spanish, as in English, it is also often used metaphorically to refer to express vocalization or emotional feelings, such as 'deafening silence weighed down on my throat', implying the suppression of expression.
guiñar un ojo
wink an eye
The Spanish phrase 'guiñar un ojo' translates to 'wink an eye' in English. It is a verbal phrase often used in casual conversation, and can refer to the physical act of quickly closing and opening one eye, generally as a signal or hint, or metaphorically to suggest someone is not fully revealing the truth or is not completely serious about something they are saying. It is also commonly used in idiomatic phrases or expressions.