tampón
/tamˈpon/masculine
The English phrase "tampon" can be translated into Spanish as tampón. If unsure, use tampón. Wiktionary also lists támpax.
Meaning: a plug of cotton or other absorbent material (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tampón | /tamˈpon/ | masculine |
| támpax | /tampaɡs/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to a plug of cotton or other absorbent material. In formal or technical contexts, you may also encounter the phrases Artículo de higiene femenina or Dispositivo higiénico femenino.
Which one should you use?
While tampón is the standard dictionary term, támpax is a very common colloquial alternative used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tampón is the standard term. For formal or technical situations, use Artículo de higiene femenina or Dispositivo higiénico femenino. In informal settings, the colloquial term támpax is often used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term támpax is a colloquialism often used in many Latin American countries, derived from a brand name.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both tampón and támpax are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/tamˈpon/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, people may avoid saying tampón in public and instead use a euphemism like cositas meaning 'little things'.
- The word tampón can also be used in music to describe a 'mute' or a device used to dampen the sound of an instrument.
- In some regions, tampón can be used metaphorically to describe someone who acts as a mediator or 'buffer' between two conflicting parties.
Examples in context
- Olvidé comprar los Tampax en el supermercadoI forgot to buy the tampons at the supermarket
- Necesito un tampón, por favor.I need a tampon, please.
- ¿Dónde venden un tampón?Where do they sell a tampon?
- El tampón está en la caja.The tampon is in the box.
Example conversation
María is asking Mateo to help her at a pharmacy.
- MaríaMateo, ¿puedes comprar un tampón?Mateo, can you buy a tampon?
- MateoSí, ¿en qué parte de la farmacia está?Yes, which part of the pharmacy is it in?
- MaríaEstá en la sección de higiene femenina.It is in the feminine hygiene section.
- MateoEntendido, lo buscaré de inmediato.Understood, I will look for it immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tampon” translations and entries tampón, 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.
