gay
/ˈɡei/
The English phrase 'gay' can be translated into Spanish using gay or homosexual.
Meaning: homosexual (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| gay | /ˈɡei/ /ˈɡai/ |
| homosexual | /omoseɡˈswal/ |
Both terms are used to describe a person who is homosexual. The word gay can function as a noun referring to a homosexual person, especially a male.
Which one should you use?
The term gay is more common in casual, everyday speech. In contrast, homosexual is more clinical or formal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some countries like Mexico, the slang terms pato and joto are used as derogatory and offensive ways to refer to gay people. Additionally, pluma is a slang term used to describe someone with flamboyant or extravagant behavior typically associated with gay culture.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of the word, add -s to the end: gays.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡei/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the term pluma literally means 'feather' or 'pen'. When used to describe a person, it refers to the perceived 'feminine' way a gay man might gesture with his hands.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the term marica is a complex word that is used as a harsh insult by some but has been reclaimed as a term of endearment or identity within the LGBTQ+ community.
- The word sexual in the term homosexual shares a root with the Latin verb 'secare', which means 'to cut'.
Examples in context
- Él es tan gay.He is so gay.This sentence shows how to use gay as an adjective.Tatoeba #2735247 by cueyayotl, translation #473187 by bRa1nST0rM
- Soy gay, ¿y qué?I'm gay, so?This sentence shows the use of gay in a conversational way.Tatoeba #4523918 by cueyayotl, translation #703020 by andresevargas
- Este perro es gay.This dog is gay.This sentence shows gay being used to describe an animal.Tatoeba #3699695 by hayastan, translation #1764717 by Dejo
- Miguel es homosexual y está orgulloso de su identidad.Miguel is gay and is proud of his identity.
- Ana y Juan son pareja gay y llevan años juntos.Ana and Juan are a gay couple and have been together for years.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a person they both know at a party.
- ElenaSé que él es gay.I know he is gay.
- AlejandroNo lo sabía.I didn't know that.
- ElenaÉl es muy abierto con su vida.He is very open about his life.
- AlejandroEso es genial.That is great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gay” translations and entries gay, homosexual, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gay, homosexual, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
