Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ropa interior | /ˌropa inteˈɾjoɾ/ | feminine |
| calzones | /kalˈθones/ /kalˈsones/ |
Guatemala, Mexico, masculine, plural |
The term refers to clothes worn next to the skin.
What does it mean word for word?
ropa interior is a literal combination of ropa (clothing) and interior (inner/inside).
Which one should you use?
ropa interior is a general, neutral term for all types of underwear, whereas calzones is more specific and often refers to underpants or briefs.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ropa interior is the standard, neutral or formal way to refer to underwear in all Spanish-speaking regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Guatemala, calzones is a commonly used informal word for underwear. In some South American countries, pantaletas is the preferred informal term for women's underwear. In parts of the Caribbean and Central America, trusas is an informal word used for both men's and women's underwear.
How does it change in a sentence?
ropa interior is a feminine singular noun phrase, even though it refers to a category of clothing that may include multiple items. calzones is a masculine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌropa inteˈɾjoɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is a traditional New Year's Eve custom to wear yellow ropa interior to attract prosperity and good luck for the coming year.
- While ropa interior is the standard term, using the word calzones to refer to a person's 'pants' or 'trousers' can cause confusion, as it often specifically implies underpants in many regions.
- Using calzones in a formal setting in some South American countries may be perceived as too colloquial or slightly childish compared to ropa interior.
Examples in context
- No llevo ropa interior.I'm not wearing any underwear.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are not wearing any ropa interior.Tatoeba #1663021 by Shishir, translation #1663013 by Spamster
- Cámbiate de ropa interior todos los días.Change underwear daily.This sentence is useful for advising someone to change their ropa interior daily.Tatoeba #3563925 by marcelostockle, translation #3563483 by corvard
- ¿Por qué se tienen que usar los calzones?Why do we have to wear underwear?This sentence is useful for asking why calzones must be worn.Tatoeba #10022315 by arh, translation #10022316 by DJ_Saidez
- Por favor, tráigame la ropa interior que compré.Please bring me the underwear I bought.
- No olvides lavar los calzones.Don't forget to wash the underwear.
- Necesito comprar nuevas pantaletas.I need to buy new underwear.
- ¿Dónde dejé mis trusas?Where did I leave my underwear?
- Compré nuevas bombachas en el centro comercial.I bought new underwear at the mall.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are packing for a trip.
- Lucía¿Trajiste suficiente ropa interior para el viaje?Did you bring enough underwear for the trip?
- AlejandroSí, puse toda mi ropa interior en la maleta.Yes, I put all my underwear in the suitcase.
- LucíaPerfecto, no olvides los calcetines también.Perfect, don't forget the socks too.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, ya tengo todo listo.Don't worry, I already have everything ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “underwear” translations and entries ropa interior, calzones, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
