la espalda
/la espalda/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for "back the body part" is la espalda.
la espalda refers to the rear part of the human body extending from the neck to the waist.
Which one should you use?
Use la espalda specifically for the anatomical back of a person. For the back of an object, such as a chair or a book, you should use la parte de atrás or el dorso instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun espalda is feminine, which is why it must be preceded by the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/la espalda/
Did you know?
- Historically, espalda is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'spatula', as both words evolved from the same Latin root for a flat, broad object.
- In Spanish, the verb dar la espalda does not just describe a physical movement, but is a common idiom for abandoning someone or refusing to help them.
- The expression estar en la espalda de alguien is used in some regions to mean following someone too closely or pestering them.
Examples in context
- La espalda es una parte importante del cuerpo humano.The back is an important part of the human body.
- La parte posterior del cuerpo se extiende desde la nuca hasta los glúteos.The posterior part of the body extends from the nape of the neck to the buttocks.
- Tienes algo en la espalda.You have something on your back.
- Mi espalda está adolorida después del gimnasio.My back is sore after the gym.
- ¿Podrías frotarme la espalda, por favor?Can you rub my back, please?
- Recuerda mantener recta la espalda cuando te sientes.Remember to keep your back straight when you sit down.
- Me duele la espalda.My back hurts.
- Él tiene una cicatriz en la espalda.He has a scar on his back.
- Necesito un masaje en la espalda.I need a back massage.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are at home.
- Lucía¿Estás bien, Javier?Are you okay, Javier?
- JavierNo, me duele mucho la espalda.No, my back hurts a lot.
- LucíaTal vez deberías descansar un poco.Maybe you should rest a little.
- JavierSí, voy a acostarme un rato.Yes, I am going to lie down for a while.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espalda, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
