tanga
/ˈtanɡa/feminine, masculine
The Spanish word for thong is tanga.
tanga is a noun used to refer to an undergarment.
Meaning: undergarment (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of tanga is tangas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtanɡa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using the word 'thong' in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to underwear, as 'thong' is not a Spanish word and may be confused with other terms or simply not understood. Use tanga instead.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, tanga refers to any skimpy bottom, whereas hilo dental specifically describes a G-string because it literally means 'dental floss'.
- The term has its origins in Tupian languages, suggesting a deep connection to indigenous South American cultures.
- While tanga is used for underwear, in some Caribbean regions it can historically refer to a simple loincloth worn for traditional dance or rituals.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría comprar una tanga nueva para mis vacaciones en la playa.I would like to buy a new thong for my beach vacation.
- Me recomendaron usar un calzón de hilo dental para que no se marque en mi vestido ajustado.I was advised to wear a thong so that it doesn't leave marks on my tight dress.
- Compré una tanguita nueva que combina con mi bikini.I bought a new thong that matches my bikini.
- Ella compró una tanga nueva.She bought a new thong.
- Esta tanga es de encaje.This thong is made of lace.
- Prefiero usar una tanga negra.I prefer to wear a black thong.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are shopping for clothes.
- LucíaMira esta tanga, es muy bonita.Look at this thong, it is very pretty.
- AlejandroSí, pero parece muy pequeña.Yes, but it looks very small.
- LucíaAsí es el diseño de la tanga.That is how the thong design is.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Lucía.You are right, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thong” translations and entries tanga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tanga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
