ropa interior
/ˌropa inteˈɾjoɾ/
The English phrase 'undergarments' is translated into Spanish as ropa interior.
ropa interior is used to refer to clothing worn directly on the body beneath other clothes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ropa (clothing) and interior (inner/interior).
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'undergarments', which can be plural, ropa interior is typically used in the singular form to refer to the collective category of underwear.
How does it change in a sentence?
ropa interior is a noun phrase that is grammatically feminine and singular in Spanish, even though it refers to a category of items.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌropa inteˈɾjoɾ/
Did you know?
- The word ropa has its roots in the Gothic word *raupa, meaning 'spoils' or 'booty', which originally referred to items taken during war.
- If you are looking for more specific items like a bra or panties, the term ropa interior is often replaced by the more colloquial lencería, even if the items are not strictly lace or decorative.
- In many Latin American countries, ropa interior is often replaced by the word ropa íntima, which carries a more private or sensual connotation than the standard term.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar ropa interior de buena calidad?Where can I buy good quality undergarments?
- Recuerda siempre llevar ropa de abajo abrigadora durante el inviernoRemember to always wear warm undergarments during winter.
- Necesito comprar nuevas bragasI need to buy new panties
- Olvidé empacar mi ropa interior para el viaje.I forgot to pack my undergarments for the trip.
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar bragas coloridas?Where can I find colorful panties?
- Él prefiere calzoncillos de algodón.He prefers cotton boxer shorts.
- Necesito comprar nuevas prendas íntimas antes de la boda.I need to buy new undergarments before the wedding.
- Ella compró ropa interior nueva.She bought new undergarments.
- Necesito comprar ropa interior nueva.I need to buy new undergarments.
- La ropa interior está en el segundo cajón.The undergarments are in the second drawer.
- Ella siempre lleva ropa interior de algodón.She always wears cotton undergarments.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are packing a suitcase for a trip.
- Sofía¿Ya guardaste toda tu ropa interior, Mateo?Did you already pack all your undergarments, Mateo?
- MateoSí, ya la puse en la maleta.Yes, I already put it in the suitcase.
- SofíaPerfecto, entonces no nos falta nada.Perfect, then we are not missing anything.
- MateoCreo que estamos listos para salir.I think we are ready to go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ropa interior, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries interior, ropa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
