Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| condón | /konˈdon/ | masculine |
| forro | /ˈforo/ | vulgar |
| preservativo | /pɾeseɾbaˈtibo/ | masculine |
| profiláctico | /pɾofiˈlaɡtiko/ | masculine |
| goma | /ˈɡoma/ | colloquial, feminine |
All the terms listed below refer to a flexible sleeve worn on the penis.
Which one should you use?
While condón is a standard term, preservativo is the standard, more formal term often used in medical or educational contexts. For an even more clinical or highly formal tone, specifically in medical literature, you may use profiláctico. In contrast to these, goma is a common colloquial way to refer to a condom and forro is a vulgar or crude slang term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Profiláctico is a highly formal, clinical term. Preservativo is a common and formal term used in many countries like Spain, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. For casual speech, goma is a colloquial option, while forro is considered vulgar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term preservativo is common in many Spanish-speaking countries including Spain, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia.
How does it change in a sentence?
condón is a masculine noun, so it uses the masculine article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/konˈdon/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word goma is used for both a condom and an eraser. Context is the only way to tell if someone is asking for school supplies or protection.
- In some Caribbean regions, you might hear the term capote, which normally refers to a raincoat or a cloak.
- In some dialects, globo (meaning 'balloon') is used as a playful or childish euphemism for a condom.
Examples in context
- Tom siempre se pone condón.Tom always uses a condom.This sentence shows the use of condón in a daily context.Tatoeba #2039449 by marcelostockle, translation #1495185 by Spamster
- Ella perforó un agujero en el condón.She punctured a hole in the condom.This sentence demonstrates a way to describe a damaged condón.Tatoeba #9150984 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9150989 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Con una risita de vergüenza, ella le tendió el condón.Giggling with embarrassment, she held out the condom.This sentence shows the use of condón in a social context.Tatoeba #602430 by Leono, translation #327963 by jakov
- Por favor, asegúrate de usar un preservativoPlease make sure to use a condom
- El uso del condón es crucial para la prevención de enfermedadesThe use of a condom is crucial for disease prevention
- No olvides comprar condones para la fiestaDon't forget to buy condoms for the party
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about safety before being intimate.
- Lucía¿Tienes un condón a mano?Do you have a condom handy?
- MateoSí, tengo uno en mi cartera.Yes, I have one in my wallet.
- LucíaPerfecto, es muy importante usar condón.Perfect, it is very important to use a condom.
- MateoEstoy de acuerdo, Mateo lo sabe.I agree, Mateo knows it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “condom” translations and entries condón, forro, preservativo, profiláctico, goma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
