dar a luz
/ˌdaɾ a ˈluθ/
The English phrase 'giving birth' is translated into Spanish as dar a luz.
The phrase refers to the process of bringing a baby out of a woman's body. If you need to refer to the process of labor or the act of birth as a noun, you can use el parto.
Which one should you use?
While dar a luz is a common way to say 'to give birth', the verb parir is more biological/technical and is often used for animals or in more clinical/crude contexts. Additionally, alumbrar can be used in a formal or poetic sense to mean 'to bring forth' in the context of giving birth.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone gave birth in the past, use the preterite form dio a luz.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌdaɾ a ˈluθ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish phrase dar a luz is a direct linguistic relative of the Italian dare alla luce and the Portuguese dar à luz.
- While dar a luz is the common term for humans, the verb parir is primarily used for animals and can sound dehumanizing or crude when applied to a person in a social setting.
Examples in context
- El ornitorrinco es un mamífero con pico de pato, pelaje denso similar al de una nutria y cola similar a la de un castor. Tiene patas palmeadas y se reproduce poniendo huevos en lugar de dar a luz como otros mamíferos.The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a mammal with duck-like beak, dense fur similar to that of an otter and tail similar to that of a beaver. It has palmate legs and reproduces by laying eggs instead of giving birth like other mammals.This sentence is useful for comparing how the platypus reproduces by laying eggs instead of dar a luz like other mammals.Tatoeba #12163326 by carlosalberto, translation #12651051 by urro
- La mujer parió a un hermoso bebé.The woman gave birth to a beautiful baby.
- La madre alumbró al nuevo miembro de la familia.The mother brought forth the new member of the family.
- Mi amiga va a tener un bebé el próximo mes.My friend is going to have a baby next month.
- ¡Mi hermana ha parido un churumbel!My sister has had a baby!
- El médico ayudó a la mujer a dar a luz a su hijo.The doctor helped the woman give birth to her child.
- Es un momento muy emocionante dar a luz.It is a very exciting moment to give birth.
- Ella está lista para dar a luz en el hospital.She is ready to give birth at the hospital.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing a family update.
- LucíaDaniel, mi prima acaba de dar a luz.Daniel, my cousin just gave birth.
- Daniel¡Qué buena noticia! ¿Es niño o niña?What great news! Is it a boy or a girl?
- LucíaEs una niña muy saludable.It is a very healthy baby girl.
- DanielMe alegro mucho por ella.I am very happy for her.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dar a luz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, dar, dar a luz, luz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
