placer culpable
/plaθeɾ kulpable/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase 'guilty pleasure' is translated into Spanish as placer culpable. Wiktionary also lists gusto culposo.
Meaning: something that brings pleasure but is considered taboo (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| placer culpable | /plaθeɾ kulpable/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /plaseɾ kulpable/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| gusto culposo | /ɡusto kulposo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to something that brings pleasure but is considered taboo. Since both common forms for this concept are masculine nouns, you should use the masculine indefinite article un when referring to a single guilty pleasure, such as in un placer culpable.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase placer culpable is a literal translation where placer means pleasure and culpable means guilty.
Which one should you use?
While placer culpable is a direct translation, gusto culposo is a common alternative. Gusto culposo is often used to describe a specific taste or preference rather than a general sensation of pleasure.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you must change both the noun and the adjective: placeres culpables.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word placer is related to placel, a word meaning 'sandbank', because both are connected to the concept of a 'place' or plaza.
- The word gusto provides a surprising connection between your 'guilty pleasure' and a common social greeting, as it is also the root of mucho gusto, used when saying 'nice to meet you'.
Examples in context
- Comer helado en invierno es mi placer culposo favorito. Aunque sé que es frío afuera, me hace sentir feliz y reconfortado.Eating ice cream in the winter is my favorite guilty pleasure, even though I know it's cold outside, it makes me feel happy and comforted.
- Esa canción pop es mi placer culpable.That pop song is my guilty pleasure.
- Comer helado de noche es un placer culpable.Eating ice cream at night is a guilty pleasure.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their music tastes at a cafe.
- Elena¿Te gusta ese cantante de reguetón?Do you like that reggaeton singer?
- MateoSí, es mi placer culpable.Yes, it is my guilty pleasure.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, a mí también me gusta.Don't worry, I like it too.
- Mateo¡Qué alivio, Elena!What a relief, Elena!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guilty pleasure” translations, 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 culpable, culposo, gusto, placer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
