ropa interior
neutral, Colombia
In Colombia the general word for underwear is ropa interior. For men's briefs or boxers people say calzoncillos.
Meaning: clothing worn under other clothes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| ropa interior | neutral, Colombia |
| calzoncillos | men's underwear |
Ropa interior is what you see on store signs and in the clothing section of a department store. It is a collective noun, so it does not take a plural.
Which one should you use?
Calzoncillos is always plural in Spanish, so you ask for unos calzoncillos even when you want one pair.
Did you know?
- Colombia is known for its large underwear and lingerie industry, with much of it based in Medellín.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar ropa interior.I need to buy underwear.
- Estos calzoncillos son de algodón.These boxers are made of cotton.
- Empaqué ropa interior para tres días.I packed underwear for three days.
Example conversation
Camila helps her brother Diego pack his suitcase in Medellín.
- CamilaDiego, ¿ya empacaste la ropa interior?Diego, did you pack your underwear?
- DiegoTodavía no. ¿Dónde están mis calzoncillos?Not yet. Where are my boxers?
- CamilaEn el segundo cajón.In the second drawer.
