popa
/ˈpopa/
The English word "stern" can be translated into Spanish as popa.
The term is used to describe someone or something that is grim and forbidding in appearance.
Meaning: grim and forbidding in appearance (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the forms Severo/a are commonly used to express sternness.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpopa/.
Did you know?
- To describe a 'stern' look in a more colloquial way, Spanish speakers might use the phrase cara de pocos amigos, which literally translates to 'a face of few friends'.
- The Latin root of popa, *puppa, also refers to a 'doll' or 'small girl', which relates to the diminutive nature of the word.
- While popa is strictly a physical part of a ship, using it to describe a person's character is a metaphoric extension not found in standard Spanish usage.
Examples in context
- Él es un profesor serioHe is a stern teacher.
- El párroco es conocido por su actitud severaThe priest is known for his stern attitude.
- El entrenador es duro pero justoThe coach is stern but fair.
- Él es un policía serio y muy riguroso con las reglas del tráfico.He is a serious and very stern police officer when it comes to traffic rules.
- Mi abuela tiene una mirada severa cuando no obedecemos.My grandma has a stern look when we don't obey.
- Mi jefe es duro, pero eso motiva al equipo a dar lo mejor.My boss is stern, but it motivates the team to give their best.
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about their new boss.
- Javier¿Viste al nuevo jefe hoy?Did you see the new boss today?
- MaríaSí, se ve muy popa.Yes, he looks very stern.
- JavierEspero que sea amable con nosotros.I hope he is kind to us.
- MaríaEso no parece probable, Javier.That doesn't seem likely, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry popa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries popa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
