la espalda
body part, standard
The back of the human body is la espalda in Spanish. It is a feminine noun, so you say mi espalda and la espalda. It is also called el lomo.
Meaning: the back of the body (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| la espalda | body part, standard |
| el lomo | animal, also food |
Use la espalda for pain, massage and posture: Me duele la espalda means "my back hurts". For the lower back, la parte baja de la espalda is clear.
Which one should you use?
For animals, el lomo is the back, and it is also the name of a cut of meat. The body part for people is always espalda.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use atrás for the body part. Atrás means "behind" or "back" as a direction.
Did you know?
- Dar la espalda a alguien, literally "to give someone your back", means to ignore or turn away from them.
Examples in context
- Me duele la espalda.My back hurts.
- Ponte de espaldas.Turn around, with your back to me.
- Mi hermano tiene la espalda ancha.My brother has a broad back.
Example conversation
Rosa visits a physiotherapist.
- Fisioterapeuta¿Dónde le duele?Where does it hurt?
- RosaMe duele la espalda, aquí abajo.My back hurts, down here.
- FisioterapeutaVamos a hacer unos ejercicios.We will do some exercises.
