ano
/ˈano/masculine
The English word "anus" can be translated into Spanish as ano. Wiktionary also lists sisiflís.
Meaning: lower opening of the digestive tract (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ano | /ˈano/ | masculine |
| sisiflís | /sisiˈflis/ | El Salvador, masculine |
The term refers to the lower opening of the digestive tract. While ano is the standard anatomical term, speakers may also use the slang term culo to colloquially refer to the butt, bottom or the anus.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In El Salvador, the masculine noun sisiflís is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈano/
Did you know?
- The word ano is a 'false friend' to Portuguese speakers, as the identical word ano in Portuguese means 'year'.
- Using the word ano in a social or non-medical setting can be perceived as more aggressive or vulgar than the English word 'anus'.
- The word ano descends directly from the Latin anus, which is why it remains almost identical across many Romance languages.
Examples in context
- ¿Cómo huele mi aliento? A una selva asquerosa. Bueno, al menos no huele al ano de un gato muerto como el tuyo.How does my breath smell? Like a disgusting jungle. Well at least it doesn't smell like a dead cat's anus like yours does.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use ano in a comparative, insulting context.
- El paciente presenta una fisura en el orificio analThe patient has a fissure in the anal orifice
- El médico examinó el ano del paciente.The doctor examined the patient's anus.
- Siente un dolor agudo en el ano.He feels a sharp pain in the anus.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are at a medical appointment.
- ElenaElena, ¿tienes dolor en el ano?Elena, do you have pain in your anus?
- JavierSí, Javier, me duele mucho.Yes, Javier, it hurts a lot.
- ElenaDebemos revisar el ano con cuidado.We must examine the anus carefully.
- JavierEstá bien, por favor hazlo.It is okay, please do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “anus” translations and entries ano, sisiflís, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
