garganta
/ɡaɾˈɡanta/feminine
The English phrase "throat" is garganta in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists gorja.
Meaning: front part of the neck (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| garganta | /ɡaɾˈɡanta/ | feminine |
| gorja | /ˈɡoɾxa/ | feminine |
The term refers to the front part of the neck. If you are in a medical context, the formal and specific term for the pharynx is faringe. To express that you have a sore throat, Spanish speakers typically use the phrase dolor de garganta, which literally translates to "pain of throat" instead of using a single adjective.
Which one should you use?
garganta is the common term for throat, whereas gorja is a more literary or poetic way to refer to the throat.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaɾˈɡanta/
Did you know?
- While garganta refers to the anatomy, in geography it is used to describe a deep, narrow ravine or gorge.
- In Spanish, the phrase cortar la garganta is not only used literally but can also refer to a betrayal or a sudden, brutal end to a deal.
- The word garganta shares a common ancestor with the English word 'gargle', as both are believed to be onomatopoeic, mimicking the actual sound of liquid moving through the throat.
Examples in context
- Mi garganta está seca.My throat is dry.This sentence is useful for describing the sensation of having a dry throat using garganta.Tatoeba #1386305 by marcelostockle, translation #680748 by Source_VOA
- ¿Te duele la garganta?Does your throat hurt?This sentence is useful for asking someone if their garganta hurts.Tatoeba #3745257 by cueyayotl, translation #2927802 by CK
- Tengo dolor de garganta.I have a sore throat.This sentence is useful for stating that you have a sore throat using the phrase garganta.Tatoeba #5017381 by don_ramon, translation #417891 by CK
- El médico examinó su gargantaThe doctor examined his throat
- Tengo dolor de garganta y me cuesta tragarI have a sore throat and it's hard for me to swallow
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena tells Javier why she cannot sing at the party.
- ElenaNo puedo cantar porque me pica la garganta.I can't sing because my throat is itchy.
- JavierLo siento, Elena. ¿Has bebido agua?I'm sorry, Elena. Have you drunk water?
- ElenaSí, pero sigo sintiendo presión en la garganta.Yes, but I still feel pressure in my throat.
- JavierDeberías descansar y tomar un té caliente.You should rest and have a hot tea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “throat” translations and entries garganta, gorja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries garganta, gorja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
