pelvis
/ˈpelbis/feminine
The Spanish word for pelvis is pelvis.
The term pelvis is used to refer to the anatomical bone structure of the pelvis. In more specific anatomical contexts, the phrase cintura pélvica is used to denote the pelvic girdle.
Meaning: bone (noun)
Which one should you use?
While pelvis is the direct name for the bone structure, people often use the word caderas to refer to the hips in an informal way. In Spain, the singular form cadera specifically means hip.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, cadera is the standard word for hip.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word pelvis is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpelbis/
Did you know?
- The word pelvis comes from the Latin pēlvis, which originally referred to a basin or a bowl.
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, the word caderas carries a much stronger connotation of movement and sensuality than the clinical term pelvis.
- While pelvis is a technical term, Spanish speakers often use the phrase moverse las caderas to describe dancing or swaying, regardless of the bone structure.
Examples in context
- El médico examinará la pelvis y el recto para palpar si hay obstruccionesThe doctor will examine the pelvis and rectum to feel for any blockages.This sentence is useful for describing a medical examination involving the pelvis.Tatoeba #2282442 by asys, translation #2282441 by asys
- El médico examinó cuidadosamente la pelvis de la paciente.The doctor carefully examined the patient's pelvis.
- La pelvis es un hueso muy fuerte.The pelvis is a very strong bone.
- Siento un dolor agudo en la pelvis.I feel a sharp pain in my pelvis.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are at a doctor's office.
- LucíaDoctor, me duele la pelvis al caminar.Doctor, my pelvis hurts when I walk.
- DanielVoy a revisar tu pelvis ahora mismo.I am going to examine your pelvis right now.
- Lucía¿Es algo grave en la pelvis?Is it something serious in the pelvis?
- DanielNo te preocupes, Lucía, todo parece bien.Don't worry, Lucía, everything looks fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pelvis” translations and entries pelvis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pelvis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
