barriga
/baˈriɡa/feminine
The English word 'tummy' is translated to Spanish as barriga. Wiktionary also lists barriguita.
Meaning: belly (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| barriga | /baˈriɡa/ | feminine |
| barriguita | /bariˈɡita/ | diminutive, feminine |
The term barriga is an informal way to refer to the stomach. Another formal term used to refer to the 'tummy' is abdomen.
Which one should you use?
While barriga is the standard word for 'belly', it can sound more blunt or even slightly vulgar depending on the context, whereas barriguita softens the tone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Barriga is an informal term. The diminutive form barriguita is often used to mean 'tummy' when speaking to children or in a cute, affectionate way. The term tripita is used affectionately when talking about a baby's tummy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term panza is an informal term used prominently in Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Argentina.
How does it change in a sentence?
Barriga is a feminine noun. The plural of barriga is barrigas.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈriɡa/
Did you know?
- The term barriga might share an ancient ancestor with the English word 'bariatrics', which comes from a Greek word meaning 'heavy'.
- The expression panza llena, corazón contento translates to 'full belly, happy heart' and reflects a cultural emphasis on the link between food and emotional well-being.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, panza is used specifically to describe a protruding 'potbelly', whereas barriga is a more general term for the stomach.
Examples in context
- Ella se quejaba de dolor en el estómago.She was complaining of stomach pain.
- Ahora tengo más barriga debido a las vacaciones.Now I have more tummy due to the holidays.
- Después de comer tanto, me siento con la panza llena.After eating so much, I feel full in my tummy.
- La abuela le hizo cosquillas en la tripita del bebé.The grandmother tickled the baby's tummy.
- Ese niño tiene la barriga grande.That boy has a big belly.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are eating at a restaurant.
- ElenaNo puedo comer más, me duele la barriga.I can't eat more, my tummy hurts.
- Javier¿Estás bien, Elena?Are you okay, Elena?
- ElenaSí, solo comí demasiado rápido.Yes, I just ate too fast.
- JavierEntonces vamos a caminar un poco.Then let's walk a little bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tummy” translations and entries barriga, barriguita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barriga, barriguita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
