palabras
general, Mexico
The Mexican Spanish word for words is palabras. The singular is palabra. Swear words are called groserías or malas palabras in Mexico.
Meaning: units of language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| palabras | general, Mexico |
| groserías | Mexico, swear words |
You can say Cuida tus palabras for "watch your words" and No tengo palabras for "I have no words".
Which one should you use?
Mexicans say decir groserías for swearing. This phrase is milder than the other words that describe curses.
When do people say it?
Mexican Spanish has borrowed many words from Nahuatl, such as chocolate, tomate and aguacate.
Did you know?
- The words chocolate, tomate and aguacate came into Spanish from Nahuatl.
Examples in context
- No encuentro las palabras.I cannot find the words.
- No digas groserías.Do not say swear words.
- Aprendí diez palabras nuevas.I learned ten new words.
Example conversation
Teacher Inés talks to a student about vocabulary.
- InésHoy vamos a aprender palabras nuevas.Today we are going to learn new words.
- Alumno¿También groserías?Swear words too?
- InésNo, esas no se dicen en clase.No, those are not said in class.
- AlumnoBueno, empecemos con las palabras de comida.Okay, let us start with the food words.
