muñeca
/muˈɲeka/feminine
The English word 'doll' is translated into Spanish as muñeca. Wiktionary also lists muñeco and pepona.
Meaning: a toy in the form of a human (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| muñeca | /muˈɲeka/ | feminine |
| muñeco | /muˈɲeko/ | masculine |
| pepona | /pepona/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| llufa | /ʝufa/ (from spelling rules) | Spain, feminine |
The primary meaning of these words is a toy in the form of a human. Note that muñeca also serves as the standard Spanish word for the anatomical part 'wrist'.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form muñeco is used for a doll that is a boy or a male character, whereas muñeca is the feminine form. In Cuba, muñeco can also be used to refer to a cute guy or a handsome man.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, muñeco is sometimes used interchangeably for dolls of both genders. In parts of Spain, the regional term llufa is used for a doll. Pepona is another feminine form for a doll.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms muñeca and pepona and llufa are feminine, while muñeco is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/muˈɲeka/
Did you know?
- The word muñeca originally meant a 'milestone' or a 'landmark' in Old Spanish. It is a rare example of a word evolving from a geological marker to a human body part and then to a toy.
Examples in context
- Esa es una muñeca.That's a doll.The sentence is useful for identifying a doll using muñeca.Tatoeba #1396201 by marcelostockle, translation #42293 by CK
- Esta es mi muñeca.This is my doll.The sentence is useful for showing possession of a doll using muñeca.Tatoeba #2353080 by marcelostockle, translation #2352437 by CM
- Le hice una muñeca.I made her a doll.The sentence is useful for describing the act of making a doll for someone using muñeca.Tatoeba #1976568 by Shishir, translation #261199 by CK
- Compré una muñeca hermosa.I bought a beautiful doll.
- ¡Mira qué linda muñeca!Look at that beautiful doll!
- Mi hermano colecciona muñecos de superhéroesMy brother collects action figures of superheroes
- Quiero una muñeca nueva para Navidad.I want a new doll for Christmas.
- Me encanta coleccionar muñecos antiguos.I love collecting antique dolls.
- A mi hermana le regalaron una muñeca de porcelana.My sister received a porcelain doll as a gift.
- 70 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena is playing with a toy in the living room.
- Mateo¿Es esa tu muñeca nueva, Elena?Is that your new doll, Elena?
- ElenaSí, es una muñeca muy bonita.Yes, it is a very pretty doll.
- MateoParece que te gusta mucho.It seems like you like it a lot.
- Elena¡Me encanta jugar con ella!I love playing with her!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doll” translations and entries muñeca, muñeco, llufa, 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 muñeca, muñeco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
