boca a boca
/boka a boka/from spelling rulesmasculine
In Spanish, 'word of mouth' is translated as boca a boca. Wiktionary also lists boca-oreja and de boca en boca.
Meaning: verbal means of passing of information (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| boca a boca | /boka a boka/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| boca-oreja | /ˌboka oˈɾexa/ | masculine |
| de boca en boca | /de ˌboka em ˈboka/ | adverb |
| de dicho en dicho (disused) | adverb |
The phrase refers to the verbal means of passing information. In marketing, boca a boca is commonly used to describe organic, verbal recommendations.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase boca a boca literally translates to 'mouth to mouth'.
Which one should you use?
Use the masculine noun boca a boca to refer to the concept of word of mouth. If you want to describe the action of information spreading, use the adverbial form de boca en boca.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb to describe how information is passed, the prepositional phrase de boca en boca is used, meaning 'from mouth to mouth'. The form de dicho en dicho is a disused adverbial way to express this.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear the phrase boca-oreja, which literally means 'mouth-ear'. This version emphasizes the transmission of a message from the speaker's mouth to the listener's ear.
- The word boca actually shares a common ancestry with the English word 'beak', as both likely derive from a root meaning 'cheek' or 'mouth'.
Examples in context
- El rumor se extendió de boca en boca y todos creyeron la historia.The rumor spread from person to person and everyone believed the story.
- El marketing de boca a boca es muy efectivo.Word of mouth marketing is very effective.
- Conocí este restaurante por el boca a boca.I learned about this restaurant through word of mouth.
- La noticia se difundió por el boca a boca.The news spread by word of mouth.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a new cafe in town.
- Mateo¿Has oído hablar de la nueva cafetería?Have you heard about the new cafe?
- ElenaSí, la conozco por el boca a boca.Yes, I know it through word of mouth.
- MateoDicen que el café es excelente.They say the coffee is excellent.
- ElenaEntonces deberíamos ir mañana.Then we should go tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “word of mouth” translations and entries boca a boca, boca-oreja, de boca en boca, 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 a, boca, de, dicho, en, CC BY-SA 4.0.
