mi espalda
/mi espalda/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my back" is translated into Spanish as mi espalda.
mi espalda refers to the rear part of the human body extending from the neck to the waist.
Which one should you use?
While you can use mi espalda to specify ownership, it is often more natural in Spanish to use the definite article la (as in la espalda) when referring to body parts if the context already makes it clear whose back is being discussed. Additionally, ensure you do not confuse espalda with cadera, which means the hip or lumbar, which refers to the lower back or lumbar region.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi espalda/
Did you know?
- The word espalda descends from the Late Latin word for a 'broad, flat piece'. This same root evolved into the modern English word 'spatula'.
- While espalda is used for humans, Spanish speakers use the word dorso when referring to the back of an animal or a non-human object.
- The Spanish espalda is closely related to the French word épaule and Catalan espatlla, although those words evolved to mean 'shoulder' instead of 'back'.
Examples in context
- Quita tu mano de mi espalda.Take your hand off my back.The first example is useful for demonstrating how to use mi espalda when asking someone to move their hand.Tatoeba #1809539 by marcelostockle, translation #1809540 by marcelostockle
- No puedo enderezar mi espalda.I can't straighten out my back.The second example shows mi espalda in the context of being unable to straighten one's back.Tatoeba #1650211 by marcelostockle, translation #241503 by Lumi_alt
- No puedo masajear mi espalda yo solo.I cannot massage my back by myself.The third example uses mi espalda to describe the inability to massage oneself.Tatoeba #1687240 by marcelostockle, translation #1686409 by Amastan
- El médico examinó la espalda míaThe doctor examined my back
- Me duele la espaldaMy back hurts
- ¡Ten cuidado con mi espaldita!Be careful with my little back!
- Me lavo la espaldaI wash my back
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo tells Sofía why he is moving slowly.
- MateoMe duele mucho mi espalda hoy.My back hurts a lot today.
- Sofía¿Qué te pasó, Mateo?What happened to you, Mateo?
- MateoCargué cajas pesadas y dañé mi espalda.I carried heavy boxes and hurt my back.
- SofíaDeberías descansar un poco.You should rest a bit.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espalda, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
