columna vertebral
/koˌlumna beɾteˈbɾal/feminine
The English word 'spine' is translated into Spanish as columna vertebral. Wiktionary also lists espinazo and espina dorsal.
Meaning: backbone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| columna vertebral | /koˌlumna beɾteˈbɾal/ | feminine |
| espinazo | /espiˈnaθo/ /espiˈnaso/ |
masculine |
| espina dorsal | /esˌpina doɾˈsal/ | feminine |
| raquis | /ˈrakis/ | masculine |
| entrecuesto | /entɾeˈkwesto/ | masculine |
| esquena | /eskena/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, rare |
While terms like columna vertebral refer to the human spine, the word espina is used for the spine or thorn of a plant or the bone in a fish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase columna vertebral is a literal translation of 'vertebral column'.
Which one should you use?
Columna vertebral is the standard term used in medical and formal anatomical contexts. For the central axis of a leaf or a feather, the highly technical term raquis is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Columna vertebral and espina dorsal are both formal terms for the spine. Raquis is a highly technical term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico and some Central American regions, espinazo is sometimes used to describe the spine.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˌlumna beɾteˈbɾal/
Did you know?
- The technical term raquis traces its roots all the way back to the Ancient Greek word ῥάχις, rather than coming from Latin like the other terms.
- In Spanish, espinazo can be used colloquially to refer to the backbone of an animal when discussing butchery or cooking, whereas columna vertebral remains strictly anatomical.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, if you refer to someone's 'spine' as their espinazo, you might sound more colloquial or rustic than using the formal columna vertebral.
Examples in context
- Los chakras están alineados en una columna vertical a lo largo de la columna vertebral.The chakras are all aligned in a vertical column along one's spine.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe chakras aligned along the columna vertebral.Tatoeba #10326068 by ecorralest101, translation #3393689 by Hybrid
- El médico examinó cuidadosamente su columna vertebral.The doctor carefully examined his spine.
- El culturista sufre problemas en su espina dorsal debido al exceso de entrenamiento.The bodybuilder is experiencing issues in his spine due to excessive training.
- Ayer levanté una caja pesada y me lastimé el lomo.Yesterday, I lifted a heavy box and hurt my back (spine).
- Siento un dolor fuerte en la columna vertebral.I feel a strong pain in my spine.
- El médico revisó mi columna vertebral.The doctor checked my spine.
Example conversation
Daniel is telling Sofía about his visit to the doctor.
- Sofía¿Qué te dijo el doctor, Daniel?What did the doctor tell you, Daniel?
- DanielDijo que tengo un problema en la columna vertebral.He said that I have a problem in my spine.
- Sofía¡Qué mal! ¿Necesitas descansar?That's too bad! Do you need to rest?
- DanielSí, debo evitar cargar cosas pesadas.Yes, I must avoid carrying heavy things.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spine” translations and entries columna vertebral, espinazo, espina dorsal, raquis, entrecuesto, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries columna, dorsal, espina, espinazo, raquis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
