compresas higiénicas
/kompɾesas ixjenikas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "period pads" is translated into Spanish as compresas higiénicas.
The term refers to absorbent materials worn by people who menstruate to soak up blood.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of compresas, meaning pads or compresses and higiénicas, meaning hygienic.
Which one should you use?
While compresas higiénicas is a standard way to refer to these products, you may encounter other variations depending on the setting and location.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Toallas sanitarias and toallas higiénicas are formal terms for period pads. In casual conversation, people may refer to them simply as toallas (towels) when the context of menstrual products is already understood.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, people often shorten the term to just compresas in everyday conversation. In many parts of Latin America, toallas sanitarias is a more common term for period pads than compresas higiénicas.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear people use the slang term la regla to refer to their period, which literally translates to 'the rule'.
- While 'compresas' is common in Spain, using it in some parts of Latin America might lead people to think you are talking about medical gauze or wound dressings.
- The term compresa comes from the Latin compressus, meaning 'pressed together', referring to the way the material is pressed against the body.
Examples in context
- Disculpa, ¿tienes toallas sanitarias?Excuse me, do you have any sanitary pads?
- ¿Podrías decirme dónde puedo encontrar toallas femeninas?Could you tell me where I can find feminine pads?
- Busco toallas higiénicas de alta absorciónI'm looking for highly absorbent sanitary pads.
- Necesito comprar compresas higiénicas.I need to buy period pads.
- ¿Dónde están las compresas higiénicas?Where are the period pads?
- Estas compresas higiénicas son muy suaves.These period pads are very soft.
Example conversation
María is at the supermarket and asks Javier for help.
- María¿Puedes buscar las compresas higiénicas, Javier?Can you look for the period pads, Javier?
- JavierClaro, ¿en qué pasillo están?Sure, which aisle are they in?
- MaríaCreo que están cerca de los jabones.I think they are near the soaps.
- JavierYa las encontré, María.I found them already, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
