espalda
/esˈpalda/feminine
In Spanish, 'back' can be translated in several ways depending on the context. The default form is espalda. Wiktionary also lists dorso and lomo.
Meaning: the rear of body (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| espalda | /esˈpalda/ | feminine |
| dorso | /ˈdoɾso/ | masculine |
| lomo | /ˈlomo/ | masculine |
While espalda refers to the human back, you may also use the idiom dar la espalda, which means to turn one's back on someone or to abandon them.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on the anatomical or physical context: use espalda for the human back, dorso for the back of a hand or the back of a foot and lomo for the back of an animal or a cut of meat such as a loin.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
espalda is a feminine noun, while both dorso and lomo are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈpalda/
Did you know?
- While lomo refers to the back of an animal, it is also the word used for the spine of a book.
- The word espalda is related to 'spatula', as both come from a root meaning a 'broad, flat piece'.
- If you describe a person as having lomo, you are talking about them as if they were an animal or a piece of meat.
Examples in context
- Me duele la espalda.My back hurts.This sentence demonstrates how to express physical pain in the espalda.Tatoeba #929944 by Shishir, translation #881871 by CK
- Me quebré la espalda.I broke my back.This sentence shows a way to describe a physical injury to the espalda.Tatoeba #5003490 by cueyayotl, translation #4308769 by AlanF_US
- No siento la espalda.I can't feel my back.This sentence describes a lack of sensation in the espalda.Tatoeba #6637158 by arh, translation #10241830 by LimeGreenTeknii
- El médico examinó mi espalda.The doctor examined my back.
- Necesito un masaje en la espalda para relajarme.I need a back massage to relax.
- Tengo dolor en el lomo.I have pain in my back.
- 144 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are in the living room.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes darme un masaje en la espalda?Lucía, can you give me a massage on my back?
- LucíaClaro, Javier. ¿Te duele mucho la espalda?Sure, Javier. Does your back hurt a lot?
- JavierSí, tengo mucha tensión en la espalda.Yes, I have a lot of tension in my back.
- LucíaEntonces quédate quieto y relaja la espalda.Then stay still and relax your back.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “back” translations and entries espalda, dorso, lomo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dorso, espalda, lomo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
