Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| partes íntimas | /paɾtes intimas/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, plural |
| partes naturales | /paɾtes natuɾales/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, plural |
| partes nobles | /paɾtes nobles/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, plural |
| partes pudendas | /paɾtes pudendas/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| partes vergonzosas | /paɾtes beɾɡonθosas/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /paɾtes beɾɡonsosas/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine, plural |
| partes privadas | /paɾtes pɾibadas/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, plural |
These terms are used to refer to the intimate or genital parts of the human body.
Which one should you use?
partes íntimas is the most common and polite choice for respectful social or medical contexts. partes nobles is a humorous, informal and somewhat old-fashioned euphemism. partes vergonzosas is an archaic and dated euphemistic term. partes pudendas is a formal, anatomical or literary term used to refer to the genitals.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal or medical contexts, use partes íntimas or Órganos genitales. In a formal setting in Spain, partes pudendas is also used. For an informal or humorous tone, you might use partes nobles or Zonas íntimas. partes vergonzosas is considered an archaic euphemism.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase partes pudendas is used in formal contexts.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using partes privadas. While it is a literal translation of "private parts", it is rarely used in Spanish to refer to anatomy and sounds like a calque from English.
Did you know?
- In many social settings, using the phrase partes nobles functions as a humorous euphemism. It treats the anatomy as if it were a person of high social rank or nobility.
- The formal term partes pudendas is a direct descendant of the Latin word pudendus, meaning 'something to be ashamed of'.
- The term partes pudendas shares a linguistic root with the English word 'pudicity', which describes a modest or chaste nature.
Examples in context
- El médico examinó sus órganos genitales como parte de un chequeo de rutina.The doctor examined their genital organs as part of a routine check-up.
- El especialista proporcionó consejos sobre el cuidado de las partes íntimas femeninas.The specialist provided advice on caring for female intimate parts.
- El bebé fue al médico para revisar sus genitales.The baby went to the doctor to have their genitals checked.
- Se sonrojó cuando alguien mencionó sus partes nobles en la fiesta.They blushed when someone mentioned their private parts at the party.
- No puedo creer que se hayan atrevido a tocar mis zonas íntimas en la piscina.I can't believe they dared to touch my private parts at the pool.
- El médico examinó sus partes íntimas.The doctor examined his private parts.
- Debes proteger tus partes íntimas del frío.You should protect your private parts from the cold.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing health at a clinic.
- JavierTengo una irritación en mis partes íntimas.I have an irritation in my private parts.
- ElenaDeberías consultar con un médico, Javier.You should consult with a doctor, Javier.
- JavierSí, pero me da mucha vergüenza.Yes, but I am very embarrassed.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Elena te ayudará a pedir la cita.Don't worry, Elena will help you make the appointment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “private parts” translations and entries partes pudendas, 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.
