Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ramera | /raˈmeɾa/ | feminine |
| puta | /ˈputa/ | feminine |
| golfa | /ˈɡolfa/ | feminine |
The terms in this group are used to refer to a female prostitute.
Which one should you use?
While ramera is a derogatory term for a prostitute, puta is a much more vulgar and aggressive profanity. The term golfa is often used to describe a woman perceived as promiscuous or a 'party girl' rather than strictly a professional prostitute. Additionally, the colloquial term perra is used to refer to someone who is sexually promiscuous.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ramera has a more literary or archaic tone. For a formal translation of harlot, you can use meretriz. In contrast, puta is an informal, extremely vulgar and offensive term. The term perra is informal and used colloquially.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term puta is widely used in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural forms are rameras for harlots, putas for prostitutes and golfas for promiscuous women.
How do you pronounce it?
/raˈmeɾa/
Did you know?
- While puta is a highly offensive slur, it is also the root of the common Spanish expression puta madre, which can be used to describe something as extremely good or cool depending on the context.
- The term ramera likely comes from the word rama, meaning 'branch', because historical prostitutes were said to build shelters using wooden boughs on the side of the road.
Examples in context
- Todas las Rameras fueron una vez Vírgenes.Every Harlot was a Virgin once.This sentence uses ramera to discuss the past state of harlots.Tatoeba #1189077 by Shishir, translation #413848 by Scott
- La literatura clásica a menudo retrata la vida de las meretrices.Classic literature often portrays the life of harlots.
- Esa chica siempre se viste como una puta para llamar la atención.That girl always dresses like a harlot to get attention.
- Esa ramera vive en la esquina.That harlot lives on the corner.
- No confíes en esa ramera.Don't trust that harlot.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are arguing about a woman in the neighborhood.
- JavierMira a esa ramera caminando por ahí.Look at that harlot walking around there.
- ElenaNo deberías hablar así de ella, Javier.You shouldn't talk about her like that, Javier.
- JavierSolo digo la verdad sobre ella.I'm just telling the truth about her.
- ElenaEso es muy cruel de tu parte.That is very cruel of you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “harlot” translations and entries ramera, puta, golfa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries puta, ramera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
