How to Say “Curse Words” in Spanish

By •
palabrotas
/palabɾotas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'curse words' is translated into Spanish as palabrotas.
Palabrotas refers to profanities or swear words. If you want to describe the act of swearing, you can use the phrase decir palabrotas, which means 'to say curse words'. Common examples of such words include the vulgar Mierda (sh*t) to express frustration, or Coño, which is a vulgar exclamation of anger or surprise. Other expressions include Diablos (dammit) and Demonios (demons) to show annoyance, or the stronger Carajo for anger or surprise.

What does it mean word for word?

The word palabrotas is a compound of palabra (word) and the augmentative suffix -ota, literally meaning 'big words'.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

While palabrotas is a standard term, you may also encounter the more colloquial and informal phrase malas palabras, which literally means 'bad words'.

Is it said differently in some regions?

Specific curse words vary significantly by region. In Mexico, Chingar is a strong curse word used to express anger or indicate negative situations and Pinche can be used to intensify a noun or describe something annoying, though it can be offensive. In Spain, Hostia can mean a 'hit' or be used in exclamations of surprise, while Gilipollas is used as an insult meaning 'idiot' or 'fool'.

How does it change in a sentence?

The singular form of the word is palabrota, whereas palabrotas is the plural form.

How do you pronounce it?

/palabɾotas/

Did you know?

  • In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the severity of a 'palabrota' depends more on the religious weight of the word than on its anatomical or sexual meaning.
  • Many Spanish 'curse words' are constructed as euphemisms to avoid blasphemy, replacing sacred names with words that sound similar to avoid divine punishment.
  • In Spain, the word hostia refers to the communion wafer in the Catholic church, but as a 'curse word' it translates to a heavy blow or a sudden shock.

Examples in context

  • No digas tantas palabrotas.
    Don't say so many curse words.
  • Él usa muchas palabrotas al hablar.
    He uses many curse words when speaking.
  • Las palabrotas no son de buena educación.
    Curse words are not polite.

Example conversation

Javier and Elena are at home during a movie.

  1. Javier

    ¿Por qué dice tantas palabrotas en la película?
    Why does he say so many curse words in the movie?
  2. Elena

    Es una película para adultos, Javier.
    It is a movie for adults, Javier.
  3. Javier

    Aun así, me molestan las palabrotas.
    Even so, the curse words bother me.
  4. Elena

    Podemos cambiar el canal si quieres.
    We can change the channel if you want.

Sources

  • Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry palabrotas, 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.
⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏
Evelyn Lola
Evelyn LolaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
guest
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Scroll to Top