párpado
/ˈpaɾpado/masculine
In Spanish, the English word 'eyelid' is expressed as párpado. If unsure, use párpado. Wiktionary also lists pálpebra.
Meaning: anatomy: a thin skin membrane that covers and moves over an eye (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| párpado | /ˈpaɾpado/ | masculine |
| pálpebra | /palpebɾa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
This term refers to the anatomical thin skin membrane that covers and moves over an eye. For context, the Spanish word for 'eye' is ojo, the word for 'iris' is iris, the word for 'eyelash' is pestaña and the word for 'tear' is lágrima.
Which one should you use?
párpado is the most common and everyday term for eyelid used in spoken Spanish, whereas pálpebra is a more technical or medical term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The common masculine noun párpado becomes párpados in its plural form. The technical feminine noun pálpebra becomes pálpebras in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaɾpado/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word for 'eyelash' is pestaña, which is also the word used for a 'tab' or 'folder tab' in a filing system or web browser.
- The common term párpado shares an ancestral root with the English word 'palpate', which means to examine something by touch.
- If you feel incredibly sleepy, a Spanish speaker might say se me caen los párpados, literally meaning 'my eyelids are falling'.
Examples in context
- Mary tiene un ojo hinchado: un mosquito le picó en el párpado mientras dormía.Mary has a swollen eye. Her eyelid was bitten by a mosquito while she slept.This sentence shows the use of párpado when describing a mosquito bite.Tatoeba #10095143 by manufrutos, translation #10089767 by sundown
- Puedes notar la inflamación en el párpado derecho.You can notice the inflammation on the right eyelid.
- Mis ojos están cansados. Tengo un dolor leve en el párpado superior.My eyes are tired. I have a slight pain in the upper eyelid.
- Tengo un poco de polvo en el párpado.I have a bit of dust on my eyelid.
- El párpado derecho le está temblando.His right eyelid is twitching.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena is looking at Daniel's face.
- DanielCreo que tengo algo en el párpado.I think I have something on my eyelid.
- ElenaDéjame ver, Daniel.Let me see, Daniel.
- ElenaSí, tienes una pequeña pestaña en el párpado.Yes, you have a small eyelash on your eyelid.
- DanielGracias, Elena, ahora ya no me molesta.Thanks, Elena, it doesn't bother me anymore.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eyelid” translations and entries párpado, 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 párpado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
