travesti
/tɾaˈbesti/feminine, masculine
The English phrase "transvestite" is translated into Spanish as travesti. Wiktionary also lists transformista and transfórmer.
Meaning: cross-dresser (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| travesti | /tɾaˈbesti/ | feminine, masculine |
| transformista | /tɾansfoɾmista/ (from spelling rules) | Venezuela, feminine, masculine |
| transfórmer | /tɾansfoɾmeɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Peru, masculine |
| transvesti | /tɾansbesti/ (from spelling rules) | El Salvador, feminine, masculine |
| trasvestista | /tɾasbestista/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America, feminine, masculine |
| travestí | /tɾabesˈti/ | feminine, masculine |
| travestido | /tɾabesˈtido/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe a cross-dresser.
Which one should you use?
While travesti and its variations refer to the person, travestido is a masculine adjective or past participle meaning "cross-dressed".
Is it said differently in some regions?
Several regional variations exist. In Venezuela and Mexico, transformista is often used. In Peru, the slang term transfórmer is used to refer to a cross-dresser. In El Salvador, the form transvesti is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word travesti can be used for both masculine and feminine subjects. The form travestido is the masculine version used as an adjective or past participle to mean "cross-dressed".
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾaˈbesti/
Did you know?
- The Peruvian slang transfórmer is a playful loanword from the English brand of changing robots, used to describe the act of switching looks.
- The Spanish word travesti shares its roots with the English word 'travesty', as both derive from the same concept of 'disguised' or 'altered' clothing.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, travesti is used not only for cross-dressers but also as a common, though often derogatory, slang term for any gay man.
Examples in context
- La artista es reconocida por su talento como travesti.The artist is recognized for their talent as a transvestite.
- Él es conocido en el barrio como un transformista increíble.He is known in the neighborhood as an amazing transvestite.
- El travesti llevó un vestido elegante.The cross-dresser wore an elegant dress.
- Aquel travesti tiene mucho talento.That cross-dresser has a lot of talent.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a performance they saw.
- LucíaEl show de aquel travesti fue increíble.That cross-dresser's show was incredible.
- AlejandroSí, tenía un vestuario impresionante.Yes, the costumes were impressive.
- Lucía¿Crees que sea un profesional?Do you think they are a professional?
- AlejandroSeguro que sí, bailaba muy bien.Surely, they danced very well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “transvestite” translations and entries travesti, transformista, travestí, travestido, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries travesti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
