coito
/ˈkoito/masculine
In Spanish, the term for intercourse is coito. Wiktionary also lists relación sexual and acto sexual.
Meaning: sexual intercourse (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| coito | /ˈkoito/ | masculine |
| relación sexual | /relaˌθjon seɡˈswal/ /relaˌsjon seɡˈswal/ |
|
| acto sexual | /ˌaɡto seɡˈswal/ | masculine |
The terms in this pack all refer to sexual intercourse, ranging from highly clinical or technical descriptions to very blunt slang.
Which one should you use?
coito is the most clinical and technical term for sexual intercourse, often used in medical or legal contexts. relación sexual is a common, slightly more descriptive way to refer to sexual intercourse that is less clinical than coito but still polite. acto sexual is a formal way to refer to the act of intercourse, often used in sociological or formal discussions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the slang term follar is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
coito is a masculine noun. acto sexual is a masculine noun phrase, while relación sexual is a feminine noun phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkoito/
Did you know?
- The technical term coito shares a common ancestor with the English word 'exit', as both stem from the Latin root for 'going' or 'moving'.
- While follar is common slang for intercourse in Spain, using it in many Latin American countries can be interpreted differently or sound unnatural due to regional dialect gaps.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, if you use the word relación without adding the adjective 'sexual', people will assume you are talking about a dating relationship.
Examples in context
- El conocimiento sobre las relaciones sexuales es importante para mantener una vida sexual saludable.Knowledge about sexual intercourse is important to maintain a healthy sex life.
- La copulación es un proceso necesario para la reproducción humana.Copulation is a necessary process for human reproduction.
- Es normal que las parejas tengan sexo de forma regular.It is normal for couples to have sex regularly.
- En España, se utiliza el término 'follar' para referirse a la relación sexual.In Spain, the term 'follar' is used to refer to sexual intercourse.
- El coito es un proceso natural.Intercourse is a natural process.
- El médico explicó los riesgos del coito.The doctor explained the risks of intercourse.
- No hubo coito durante el encuentro.There was no intercourse during the encounter.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their health with a professional tone.
- AlejandroTengo una duda sobre el coito.I have a question about intercourse.
- ElenaDime, Alejandro, ¿qué sucede?Tell me, Alejandro, what is happening?
- AlejandroSiento molestias después del coito.I feel discomfort after intercourse.
- ElenaEntiendo, Elena revisará tu caso.I understand, Elena will review your case.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “intercourse” translations and entries coito, relación sexual, acto sexual, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acto, coito, relación, sexual, CC BY-SA 4.0.
