estás embarazada
/estas embaɾaθada/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you're pregnant" is translated into Spanish as estás embarazada.
Which one should you use?
While estás embarazada is the common way to express this, estás encinta is a much more formal, literary or old-fashioned way to say you are pregnant.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form está embarazada instead of estás embarazada when speaking to someone formally.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use embarazada to mean "embarrassed". In Spanish, embarazada exclusively means "pregnant".
Did you know?
- The word encinta literally means 'with a belt' or 'girdled'. It refers to the ancient practice of tying a cloth belt around the waist to support a pregnant woman's abdomen.
- In some Spanish speaking cultures, people avoid saying estás embarazada directly to avoid 'mal de ojo' or bad luck. They might use vague phrases or gestures instead of the direct word.
- While embarazada is the standard, some regions use the term preñada to describe a pregnant woman or animal. However, using preñada for a human can sound very vulgar or overly animalistic in many contexts.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, señora García. Quiero felicitarla porque está embarazada. ¡Qué maravillosa noticia!Excuse me, Mrs. García. I want to congratulate you because you're pregnant. What wonderful news!
- ¡Amiga! ¡Qué alegría! ¡ Estás embarazada! No puedo esperar para ser tía. ¡Felicidades!Friend! What joy! You're pregnant! I can't wait to be an aunt. Congratulations!
- Oye, ¿escuchaste? ¡ Vas a tener un bebé! Esto es maravilloso. Estaré a tu lado en cada paso del camino.Hey, did you hear? You're going to have a baby! This is wonderful. I'll be by your side every step of the way.
- ¡Felicidades, estás embarazada!Congratulations, you're pregnant!
- Creo que estás embarazada.I think you're pregnant.
- ¿Segura que estás embarazada?Are you sure you're pregnant?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking at home after a doctor's appointment.
- JavierElena, el médico dijo que estás embarazada.Elena, the doctor said you're pregnant.
- Elena¡Sí, es una noticia increíble!Yes, it is incredible news!
- JavierEstoy muy feliz por ti.I am very happy for you.
- ElenaGracias, Javier, por tu apoyo.Thank you, Javier, for your support.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
