papel higiénico
/paˌpel iˈxjeniko/masculine
Toilet paper in Spanish is papel higiénico. Wiktionary also lists confort.
Meaning: paper to clean oneself after defecation or urination (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| papel higiénico | /paˌpel iˈxjeniko/ | masculine |
| confort | /konˈfoɾt/ | Chile, masculine |
The phrase refers to the paper used for personal hygiene after urination or defecation.
What does it mean word for word?
The term papel higiénico literally translates to hygienic paper.
Which one should you use?
papel higiénico is the standard term, while confort is a colloquialism used in specific regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, the word confort is commonly used to refer to toilet paper.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both papel higiénico and confort are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˌpel iˈxjeniko/
When do people say it?
In some Latin American countries, the brand name Confort is used colloquially to refer to toilet paper.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word papel can be traced back to the Ancient Greek word pápuros, which referred to the papyrus reed used for writing.
- In some cultures, asking for papel while inside a restroom is considered a subtle social cue that avoids mentioning the actual bodily functions involved.
- Depending on the region, using papel higiénico in a casual home setting can sound as clinical as saying 'sanitary cellulose' in English.
Examples in context
- ¡No hay papel higiénico!There's no toilet paper!This sentence is useful for expressing the sudden realization that there is no toilet paper available.Tatoeba #7958412 by pchamorro, translation #5803465 by Hybrid
- No queda papel higiénico.There's no toilet paper.This sentence is useful for stating that the supply of toilet paper has run out.Tatoeba #1507733 by wallebot, translation #38947 by CK
- No tenemos papel higiénico.We don't have toilet paper.This sentence is useful for communicating that your household or establishment lacks toilet paper.Tatoeba #9931323 by Shishir, translation #9931907 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar papel higiénico?Where can I find toilet paper?
- No olvides incluir productos de higiene personal como papel higiénico en tu lista de comprasDon't forget to include personal hygiene products such as toilet paper on your shopping list
- Por favor, asegúrese de reponer el rollo sanitarioPlease make sure to replenish the toilet paper roll
- Se nos acabó el papel de baño, ¿puedes reponerlo?We ran out of toilet paper, can you restock it?
- ¡No olvides comprar el papel del baño antes de que se acabe!Don't forget to buy toilet paper before we run out!
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A husband and wife are in the supermarket.
- JavierSofía, ¿necesitamos papel higiénico?Sofía, do we need toilet paper?
- SofíaSí, Javier, compra un paquete grande.Yes, Javier, buy a large pack.
- JavierEstá bien, buscaré el papel higiénico.Okay, I will look for the toilet paper.
- SofíaGracias, cariño.Thank you, honey.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toilet paper” translations and entries papel higiénico, confort, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries confort, higiénico, papel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
