trasero
/tɾaˈseɾo/
The English word "rear" can be translated into Spanish as trasero.
As an adjective, trasero describes something that is behind or in the hindmost part. It is often used as a euphemism for the buttocks.
Meaning: being behind, or in the hindmost part (adj)
Which one should you use?
While trasero can refer to body parts, parte posterior is a more neutral, formal way to describe the rear section of an object or vehicle. Additionally, if you are referring to a rear area of a specific location, you may use zona posterior.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word trasero is considered euphemistic. For formal contexts, use parte trasera to express "rear" in a general way or parte posterior when referring to the back part of an object. Conversely, culo and cola are informal words with vulgar connotations used to mean rear or butt.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective trasero must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. It becomes trasera for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾaˈseɾo/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, cola can also mean 'queue' or 'line' of people. This creates a potential for confusion where someone is told to 'get in the cola'.
- The word tras is a linguistic relative of the English word 'through', as both stem from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to pass over or beyond'.
- In a nautical context, Spanish uses popa for the rear of a ship. Using trasero or parte posterior in this specific setting would sound unnatural to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- El automóvil se estacionó en la parte trasera del edificio.The car parked in the rear of the building.
- El avión tiene dos turbinas en su cola.The plane has two turbines in its tail.
- Los asientos VIP se encuentran en la zona posterior del teatro.The VIP seats are located in the rear area of the theater.
- Me duele el trasero después de tanto tiempo sentado.My rear hurts after so much time sitting.
- Siéntate en el suelo con el culo hacia atrás.Sit on the floor with your butt facing back.
- No veo la parte de atrás de la casa desde aquí.I don't see the back of the house from here.
- El pasajero se sentó en el asiento trasero.The passenger sat in the rear seat.
- Hay un jardín en el lado trasero de la casa.There is a garden on the rear side of the house.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are looking at a used car.
- Alejandro¿Cómo está el estado del coche?How is the condition of the car?
- MaríaEl motor está bien, pero tiene un golpe en el lado trasero.The engine is fine, but it has a dent on the rear side.
- AlejandroEntiendo, ¿el golpe es muy grande?I see, is the dent very big?
- MaríaNo es demasiado grave, Alejandro.It is not too serious, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rear” translations and entries trasero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
