Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hijo de puta | /ˌixo de ˈputa/ | masculine |
| cabrón | /kaˈbɾon/ | Central America |
In Spanish, the terms used for 'bastard' vary significantly based on whether you are describing a contemptible person or using a specific colloquialism. hijo de puta is a strong, offensive term used to describe a contemptible person. For precise, non-insulting descriptions of someone without recognized paternal affiliation, you might use the phrase Persona sin filiación paterna reconocida.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hijo de puta literally translates to 'son of a whore'.
Which one should you use?
hijo de puta is generally more offensive and aggressive than cabrón. While hijo de puta is a direct insult, cabrón has a broader range of meanings that can include calling someone a 'tough guy'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
cabrón is a term used in Central America.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female bastard, change the masculine hijo to the feminine hija to say hija de puta.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌixo de ˈputa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, hijo de puta can be used as a compliment to describe someone who is incredibly clever or cunning.
- In some contexts, cabrón specifically refers to a cuckold, a meaning rooted in the behavior of goats.
- While it is a strong insult, hijo de puta has been recorded in Spanish literature since at least 1325 in the work Crónica de veinte reyes.
Examples in context
- Ese cabrón es tu primo.That bastard is your cousin.This sentence uses cabrón to identify a person's relation to someone else.Tatoeba #8716015 by ajje, translation #8716017 by ajje
- También pensamos que es un cabrón.We also think that he's a bastard.This sentence expresses an opinion about someone using cabrón.Tatoeba #12008811 by DJ_Saidez, translation #2804989 by mervert1
- ¡Cabrón!Bastard!This sentence shows cabrón used as a direct exclamation.Tatoeba #434307 by lukaszpp, translation #434306 by lukaszpp
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a dishonest man they encountered.
- AlejandroEse hombre es un hijo de puta.That man is a bastard.
- ElenaEs verdad, es un hijo de puta.It is true, he is a bastard.
- AlejandroNo puedo creer lo que hizo.I cannot believe what he did.
- ElenaNo merece nuestra compasión.He does not deserve our compassion.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bastard” translations and entries hijo de puta, cabrón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cabrón, de, hijo, hijo de puta, puta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
