axila
/aɡˈsila/feminine
The English word armpit is translated into Spanish as axila or sobaco.
Meaning: the cavity beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| axila | /aɡˈsila/ | feminine |
| sobaco | /soˈbako/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to the cavity beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder.
Which one should you use?
axila is the standard, more clinical term for the armpit, whereas sobaco is a common, colloquial term used in everyday speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to both armpits, you can use the plural feminine form las axilas or the plural masculine form los sobacos.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡˈsila/
Did you know?
- The word sobaco may be related to the Latin word hircus, which means 'male goat'. This refers to the strong, musk-like smell associated with goats and armpits.
- In Spanish, the choice between axila and sobaco can signal the level of professionalism in a conversation, as using sobaco in a medical setting would be unexpectedly blunt.
Examples in context
- Cuando perdí mi maquinilla de afeitar eléctrica, probé depilarme el vello de las axilas con pinzas, pero eso fue demasiado doloroso.When I lost my electric razor, I tried plucking my armpit hair with tweezers, but that was too painful.This sentence shows the use of the feminine form axila when discussing grooming.Tatoeba #10799601 by Luornu, translation #10799463 by Luornu
- El médico examinó su axila para buscar signos de inflamación.The doctor examined his armpit for signs of inflammation.
- Él levantó los brazos y mostró sus sobacos sudorosos.He raised his arms and showed his sweaty armpits.
- La modelo mostró sus axilas mientras sostenía el cartel en alto.The model showed her armpits while holding the sign high.
- Me duele la axila derecha.My right armpit hurts.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are getting ready for a workout.
- DanielSofía, ¿tienes un desodorante que pueda usar?Sofía, do you have a deodorant I can use?
- SofíaSí, Daniel, aquí tienes uno.Yes, Daniel, here is one.
- DanielGracias, me molesta el sudor en la axila.Thanks, the sweat in my armpit is bothering me.
- SofíaEs normal cuando hace tanto calor.It is normal when it is so hot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “armpit” translations and entries axila, sobaco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries axila, sobaco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
