Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| región lumbar | /rexjon lumbaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| lomo | /ˈlomo/ | masculine |
| lombo | /ˈlombo/ | masculine, alternative form |
In Spanish, there are several ways to refer to the lower back depending on the context. While región lumbar describes the anatomical area, la parte baja de la espalda is a very common, natural way to describe the lower back in non-medical conversation. The word lomo is also used colloquially to refer to the lower back area, though it has other meanings.
Which one should you use?
Use región lumbar in medical or formal contexts, whereas lomo is more common in everyday speech. Lomo is a common, colloquial way to refer to the lower back area, but it can also refer to a cut of meat (loin). For a very informal setting, you might hear la espalda de abajo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the word riñones is used as a variation to refer to the lower back area.
How does it change in a sentence?
Región lumbar is a feminine noun. Lomo and its alternative spelling lombo are masculine nouns.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often say espalda baja as a literal translation, but la parte baja de la espalda or la zona lumbar sounds more natural in Spanish.
Did you know?
- In a bookstore, the word lomo is used again to describe the spine of a book.
- In many Spanish-speaking households, if someone complains of pain in their riñones, they are likely referring to their lower back rather than just their kidneys.
- The word lomo is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'loin', as both descend from the same Latin root.
Examples in context
- El dolor en la espalda baja puede ser causado por una mala postura.Lower back pain can be caused by poor posture.
- Se recomienda realizar ejercicios para fortalecer la región lumbar.It is recommended to perform exercises to strengthen the lumbar region.
- Me duele la parte baja de la espalda después de hacer tanto ejercicio.I have lower back pain after exercising so much.
- Me quedé con un dolor en la espalda de abajo tras cargar esas cajas tan pesadas.I ended up with lower back pain after carrying those heavy boxes.
- Siento un dolor en la región lumbar.I feel a pain in the lumbar region.
- La inflamación está en la región lumbar.The inflammation is in the lumbar region.
- El médico examinó mi región lumbar.The doctor examined my lumbar region.
Example conversation
Sofía is talking to Daniel at a physiotherapy clinic.
- Sofía¿Dónde siente la molestia, Daniel?Where do you feel the discomfort, Daniel?
- DanielSiento una presión en la región lumbar.I feel a pressure in my lower back.
- SofíaVoy a examinar esa zona ahora.I am going to examine that area now.
- DanielGracias, Sofía, me duele bastante.Thanks, Sofía, it hurts quite a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lower back” translations and entries lomo, lombo, 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 lomo, lumbar, región, CC BY-SA 4.0.
