Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pecho | /ˈpet͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| seno | /ˈseno/ | masculine |
| teta | /ˈteta/ | feminine |
| mama | /ˈmama/ | feminine |
| chichi | /ˈt͡ʃit͡ʃi/ | feminine, masculine |
| chiche | /ˈt͡ʃit͡ʃe/ | feminine, masculine |
| lirumba | /liɾumba/ (from spelling rules) | Honduras, masculine |
These terms are used to describe the milk-producing organ or the chest area.
Which one should you use?
pecho refers to the chest area in general, but is also the standard term used in the idiom for breastfeeding. seno is a neutral and widely understood term for breast in Spanish suitable for formal and medical contexts. mama is the specific biological term used in medical contexts, such as in 'cáncer de mama' (breast cancer). teta is a colloquial and often blunt term for a breast, similar to 'boob' in English. chichi is a highly informal and slang term for breasts. lirumba is a regional slang term for breast used in Honduras.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For medical, anatomical or formal contexts, use seno or mama. For a neutral or general description of the chest, use pecho. In informal or colloquial settings, you might hear teta, while chichi is considered slang. lirumba is also a slang term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
teta is widely understood in Spain, Mexico and Argentina. chichi is an informal way to refer to the breast, especially in some Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
pecho, seno and lirumba are masculine nouns. teta and mama are feminine nouns. chichi and chiche can be either masculine or feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpetʃo/
When do people say it?
In the context of breastfeeding, the term pecho is the standard word used in the common expression for the act.
Did you know?
- The word teta is related to the Proto-Indo-European root for 'father', suggesting a deep linguistic connection between the concepts of nursing and parental figures.
- The word mama is used in medical Spanish for 'breast', but it is also the common word for 'mom' in many Spanish-speaking countries.
- In some contexts, teta can refer specifically to the nipple rather than the entire breast.
Examples in context
- Estoy dándole pecho a mi hija.I am breast-feeding my daughter.This sentence shows the use of pecho in the context of breastfeeding.Tatoeba #1688041 by marcelostockle, translation #1664431 by Amastan
- Mary está dándole pecho a su bebé.Mary is breast-feeding her baby.Tatoeba #1668844 by marcelostockle, translation #1662209 by Amastan
- El cáncer de mama es una enfermedad.Breast cancer is a disease.This sentence shows how mama is used as a medical term for breast cancer.Tatoeba #841937 by Shishir, translation #680712 by Source_VOA
- La mamografía se utiliza para detectar anomalías en el senoMammography is used to detect abnormalities in the breast
- La biopsia reveló células cancerosas en la mamaThe biopsy revealed cancer cells in the breast
- Mi bebé siempre busca el pecho cuando tiene hambreMy baby always looks for the breast when hungry
- Estoy considerando hacerme una reducción de pechoI'm considering getting a breast reduction
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía is talking to Mateo about her baby's feeding habits.
- SofíaMi bebé prefiere el pecho.My baby prefers the breast.
- Mateo¿Le das el pecho a veces?Do you breastfeed him sometimes?
- SofíaSí, siempre toma pecho.Yes, he always breastfeeds.
- MateoEso es muy saludable.That is very healthy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breast” translations and entries pecho, seno, teta, mama, chichi, chiche, 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 mama, pecho, seno, teta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
