toallas sanitarias
/toaʝas sanitaɾjas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sanitary pads" is translated into Spanish as toallas sanitarias.
This phrase refers to absorbent pads worn by women to absorb menstrual flow.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of toallas (towels) and sanitarias (sanitary).
Which one should you use?
The singular form is toalla sanitaria.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term compresas is more commonly used to refer to sanitary pads than toallas sanitarias. In many parts of Latin America, toallas femeninas is a common alternative to toallas sanitarias.
How do you pronounce it?
/toaʝas sanitaɾjas/
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, some speakers use the phrase estoy en mis días ('I am in my days') as a euphemism to avoid saying the words for pads or menstruation entirely.
- While compresas is the standard term in Spain, the word comes from the Latin 'compressus', meaning 'pressed together', which originally referred to medical compresses used for injuries.
- While compresa is the standard term in Spain, in some Latin American contexts, compresa can actually refer to a medical compress or a wound dressing instead of a menstrual pad.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar toallas sanitarias para mujeres?Where can I find sanitary pads for women?
- Disculpe, ¿dónde puedo encontrar una farmacia o tienda que venda protectores higiénicos?Excuse me, where can I find a pharmacy or store that sells sanitary pads?
- ¿Hay alguien que me pueda ayudar a encontrar las toallas sanitarias?Is there someone who can help me find the sanitary pads?
- Prefiero las toallitas con alas para mayor comodidad.I prefer pads with wings for added comfort.
- Recuerda que cada mujer tiene sus preferencias a la hora de usar toallas sanitarias.Remember that each woman has her own preferences when it comes to using sanitary pads.
- Perdona, ¿tendrás toallas sanitarias?Sorry, do you have any sanitary pads?
- Lo siento, sé que es un tema personal, pero necesito toallitas femeninas.I'm sorry, I know it's a personal topic, but I need sanitary pads.
- Necesito comprar toallas sanitarias en la farmacia.I need to buy sanitary pads at the pharmacy.
- ¿Dónde venden toallas sanitarias en este supermercado?Where do they sell sanitary pads in this supermarket?
- Ella puso las toallas sanitarias en su bolso.She put the sanitary pads in her bag.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are walking through a grocery store.
- Daniel¿Olvidaste la lista de cosas para comprar?Did you forget the shopping list?
- ElenaNo, pero también necesito toallas sanitarias.No, but I also need sanitary pads.
- DanielEstá bien, busquemos el pasillo de higiene femenina.That's fine, let's look for the feminine hygiene aisle.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel, me ayudaría mucho.Thanks, Daniel, that would help me a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
