How to Say “Pregnant” in Spanish: Formal and Informal Ways

Learning how to express the word “pregnant” in a different language opens the door to cross-cultural understanding and effective communication. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “pregnant” in Spanish, providing you with various formal and informal options. Whether you’re a traveler, a language enthusiast, or someone curious about Spanish expressions related to pregnancy, this guide will help you expand your vocabulary. Let’s dive right in!

Formal Ways to Say “Pregnant” in Spanish

When it comes to formal vocabulary, Spanish offers a range of polite expressions to describe someone who is pregnant. The following are some commonly used terms:

1. Embarazada: This is the most widely recognized term for “pregnant” in Spanish. It is the equivalent of the English word. For example, “She is pregnant” can be translated as “Ella está embarazada.”
2. En estado de buena esperanza: Literally translated as “in a state of good hope,” this formal expression is often used in formal contexts or medical settings, emphasizing the positive nature of pregnancy. For instance, “I found out she is in a state of good hope” can be expressed as “Me enteré de que ella está en estado de buena esperanza.”
3. En cinta: This phrase is commonly used in Spain and is derived from the image of a ribbon (cinta) tightly wrapping around a gift. It conveys the concept of being “in a state of pregnancy.” For instance, “She is in a state of pregnancy” can be translated as “Ella está en cinta.”
4. En estado: Though more general, this term can also be used to refer to pregnancy. For example, “She is in a delicate state” can be translated as “Ella está en estado delicado.”

Informal Ways to Say “Pregnant” in Spanish

Informal language reflects the everyday speech of native speakers. Here are some common informal expressions to describe someone who is pregnant:

1. Embarazada: As mentioned earlier, “embarazada” can be used both formally and informally. However, it is worth noting that some native speakers might consider it slightly more informal due to its frequent use in everyday conversation.
2. Con barriga: This colloquial term directly translates to “with belly” and is commonly used to convey that someone is visibly pregnant. For example, “She is already five months pregnant and has a visible belly” can be expressed as “Ya está embarazada de cinco meses y tiene barriga.”
3. En la dulce espera: This charming phrase translates to “in the sweet waiting” and is often used in informal conversations, emphasizing the pleasant anticipation of having a baby on the way. For instance, “She is pregnant. They are in the sweet waiting stage of their lives” can be translated as “Está embarazada. Están en la dulce espera de sus vidas.”
4. Con un churumbel: This slang expression is mainly used in Spain and is a playful way to refer to someone who is pregnant. “Churumbel” is a colloquial term used for a child or baby. For example, “She’s pregnant and expecting a baby” can be expressed as “Está embarazada y esperando un churumbel.”

Common Tips and Examples

Now that we’ve explored the formal and informal terms for “pregnant” in Spanish, here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding:

1. Be Mindful of Context:

When selecting the appropriate term to use, consider the formality of the situation and the regional variations. Certain expressions might be more suitable for casual conversations among friends, while others are better suited for formal environments.

2. Regional Variations:

Keep in mind that Spanish is spoken in various countries, and regional variations exist. Some terms and slang expressions mentioned earlier might be more commonly used in specific regions, such as “en cinta” in Spain or “con un churumbel” in certain parts of Spain. However, the more formal expressions are widely understood across different Spanish-speaking countries.

3. Usage of Adjectives:

To make your sentences more descriptive, you can add adjectives to indicate the stage or duration of the pregnancy. For instance, “Ella está embarazada de cinco meses” (She is five months pregnant) or “Está en la dulce espera de gemelos” (She is expecting twins).

TIP: To further expand your vocabulary related to pregnancy, you can explore terms such as “baby,” “birth,” “mother,” and other related topics.

4. Pronunciation:

It’s essential to get the pronunciation right when using these expressions. Practice speaking them aloud to improve your fluency. Online resources and pronunciation guides can also assist you in perfecting your pronunciation.

5. Be Respectful:

Remember to always be respectful and considerate when discussing pregnancy. Use appropriate language and engage in a supportive manner, especially when talking to expectant mothers or involved individuals.

Examples

• “I heard they are expecting their first child” can be translated as “Escuché que esperan a su primer hijo/a”
• “Congratulations on your pregnancy!” can be expressed as “¡Felicidades por tu embarazo!”
• “She is pregnant with twins” can be translated as “Está embarazada de gemelos/as.”
• “Are you pregnant?” can be expressed as “¿Estás embarazada?” (informal) or “¿Está usted embarazada?” (formal).

By incorporating these different ways to express “pregnant” in Spanish into your vocabulary, you’ll be able to engage in meaningful conversations, show respect for cultural nuances, and connect more deeply with Spanish-speaking communities.