barrigas
/bariɡas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "bellies" is translated into Spanish as barrigas.
While barrigas is a popular choice for expressing "bellies" in an informal setting, other terms exist depending on the context and tone.
Which one should you use?
While barrigas is a common way to say bellies, the word panzas is often used to refer specifically to large, protruding or fat bellies.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
barrigas is more informal and often carries a more affectionate or cute connotation than the anatomical term vientres. One formal and standard way to say "bellies" in Spanish is by using the word estómagos, while vientres is a more formal way to say "bellies" and is often used in medical or scientific contexts. The term pancitas is commonly used in some Latin American countries, such as Mexico or Argentina, to refer to "bellies" in an affectionate or playful way.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is barriga.
How do you pronounce it?
/bariɡas/
Did you know?
- In some Mediterranean-influenced Spanish-speaking regions, the term tripas is used colloquially to refer to the 'belly' when talking about hunger, though it literally means 'intestines'.
- While barriga refers to the belly, the Spanish word for 'belly button' is ombligo, which is also used in the phrase el ombligo del mundo to describe a central or important place.
- The word panza appears in the common expression panza llena, corazón contento, which means 'full belly, happy heart'.
Examples in context
- Los invitados se sirvieron grandes cantidades de comida, llenando sus estómagos.The guests served themselves large amounts of food, filling their bellies.
- Después de las fiestas, nuestras barrigas están llenas de comida deliciosa.After the parties, our bellies are full of delicious food.
- El bebé se ríe cuando le hacen cosquillas en su pancita.The baby laughs when they tickle its little belly.
- Los bebés tienen barrigas muy suaves.The babies have very soft bellies.
- Esas barrigas de cerveza son comunes.Those beer bellies are common.
- Tienen las barrigas llenas después de cenar.They have full bellies after eating dinner.
Example conversation
María and Javier are looking at their pets.
- MaríaMira qué lindas están sus barrigas.Look how cute their bellies are.
- JavierSí, están muy gorditas.Yes, they are very chubby.
- MaríaMe encanta acariciar sus barrigas.I love petting their bellies.
- JavierA ellos también les gusta.They like it too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
