Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| control de la natalidad | /kontɾol de la natalidad/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| método anticonceptivo | /metodo antikonθebtibo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /metodo antikonsebtibo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
The phrase is used to describe the voluntary control of the number of children conceived. While control de la natalidad refers to the broad concept, método anticonceptivo is used when discussing the practical or medical aspects of preventing pregnancy.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase control de la natalidad literally means 'control of the birth rate', where natalidad refers to the rate of births.
Which one should you use?
Use control de la natalidad when you are talking about the general concept or the societal phenomenon of population control. In contrast, use método anticonceptivo when referring to a specific physical device or medication, such as a condom or the pill.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the term pastillas anticonceptivas is used specifically to refer to birth control pills.
How do you pronounce it?
/kontɾol de la natalidad/
Did you know?
- The word control comes from the Medieval Latin contrarotula, which referred to a 'counter-roll' or a duplicate list used for verification.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, discussing métodos anticonceptivos may be navigated with more discretion or euphemisms in traditional family settings compared to English-speaking cultures.
- While English speakers often use 'birth control' as a general noun, using control de la natalidad in Spanish can sound more like a government policy or a demographic statistic than a personal health matter.
Examples in context
- ¿Usas algún método anticonceptivo?Do you use any method of birth control?This sentence asks if someone uses any method of birth control using método anticonceptivo.Tatoeba #10111010 by manufrutos, translation #9982124 by NurseMeeks
- ¿Qué método anticonceptivo recomienda?What method of birth control do you recommend?This sentence asks for a recommendation of a method of birth control using método anticonceptivo.Tatoeba #931187 by Shishir, translation #932473 by papabear
- ¿Qué tipo de método anticonceptivo usas?What type of birth control do you use?This sentence asks about the type of birth control being used using método anticonceptivo.Tatoeba #10111009 by manufrutos, translation #9982125 by NurseMeeks
- Es importante hablar con tu médico sobre el control de natalidad adecuado para ti.It is important to speak with your doctor about the appropriate birth control for you.
- Me gustaría hablar contigo acerca de los anticonceptivos y las opciones disponibles.I would like to talk to you about birth control and the available options.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their long-term family planning goals.
- ElenaDebemos hablar sobre el control de la natalidad.We should talk about birth control.
- AlejandroTienes razón, es un tema importante para nosotros.You are right, it is an important topic for us.
- Elena¿Quieres que busquemos más información juntos?Do you want us to look for more information together?
- AlejandroSí, Elena, me parece una buena idea.Yes, Elena, I think that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “birth control” translations and entries control de la natalidad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anticonceptivo, control, de, la, método, natalidad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
