espalda
/esˈpalda/feminine
The English word "back" (referring to the rear of a body) is translated into Spanish as 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 |
The word espalda is used to refer to the back as a body part. You can also use the phrase dar la espalda, which can mean to literally turn your back or, figuratively, to reject or ignore someone.
Which one should you use?
While espalda is used for the human back, other words are used for specific anatomical or biological contexts. Use dorso specifically for the back of a hand or the back of a foot. Use lomo when referring to the back of an animal or a cut of meat such as a loin.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun espalda is feminine and is used with the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈpalda/
Did you know?
- The word espalda actually shares a common ancestor with the word for a sword, through the Latin word spatha.
- While espalda refers to the human back, using lomo for a person is often a vulgar or crude way to describe their physique.
- In Spanish, you can use dorso to refer to the back of a document or a check, not just the back of a hand or foot.
Examples in context
- Me duele la espalda.My back hurts.This sentence shows how to express that your espalda is hurting.Tatoeba #929944 by Shishir, translation #881871 by CK
- Me quebré la espalda.I broke my back.This sentence describes the action of breaking one's espalda.Tatoeba #5003490 by cueyayotl, translation #4308769 by AlanF_US
- No siento la espalda.I can't feel my back.This sentence is used to state that one cannot feel their espalda.Tatoeba #6637158 by arh, translation #10241830 by LimeGreenTeknii
- ¡Atrás!Go back!
- Voy a volver a casa.I am going back home
- Voy a regresar a la oficina.I am going back to the office
- Caminó hacia atrás.He walked backward
- Retiro lo dicho.I take back what I said
- 144 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are at a physical therapy clinic.
- ElenaMateo, ¿te duele la espalda hoy?Mateo, does your back hurt today?
- MateoSí, Elena, tengo mucha tensión en la espalda.Yes, Elena, I have a lot of tension in my back.
- ElenaDeberías masajearte la espalda con más frecuencia.You should massage your back more frequently.
- MateoTienes razón, mi espalda necesita descanso.You are right, my back needs rest.
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.
