Back (body) in Spanish 🇪🇸

Pronunciation

Normal speech: ess-PAHL-dah
IPA: esˈpalda

8 months ago

Do not confuse with

“Espada” means “sword,” and “espaldar” refers to the backrest of a chair.

9 months ago

Variations by Country

In some Latin American countries, “espalda” is also used to refer to a cut of beef.

9 months ago

mnemonic

The word “espalda” sounds similar to “spalding,” which could be associated with the idea of a back support, as in a Spalding back brace.

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cultural referece

In Spanish folklore, “La Dama de la Espalda Plana” (The Lady of the Flat Back) is a mysterious figure said to haunt the countryside. She is said to have a completely flat back and to be able to transform into a bird.

9 months ago

idioms

“Dar la espalda” is a common idiom that means “to turn one’s back on someone or something.” For example, “Le dio la espalda a su amigo cuando más lo necesitaba” (He turned his back on his friend when he needed him most).

9 months ago

usage

“Espalda” refers to the back, specifically the area between the neck and the waist. It can be used in medical contexts, as well as in everyday speech.

9 months ago

origin

The word “espalda” comes from the Latin “spatula,” meaning “shoulder blade.”

9 months ago

espalda info.

**Tips to remember the word “espalda”:**

– Think of the word “space” and add “lada” to it, making a mental note that the “space” behind you is your back or “espalda.”
– Associate “espalda” with “back” by visualizing a person turning their back to show their “espalda.”
– Use the phrase “giving the cold shoulder” and imagine “cold” as “espacio frío,” linking it to the back or “espalda.”

**Explanations:**

The word “espalda” means “back” in English, specifically the upper part of the body from the shoulders to the waist.

**Other words that mean the same thing:**

– “Dorso” can also refer to the back in Spanish, though it’s more commonly used in a biological or anatomical context.
– “Lomo” is another word but it is typically used to specify a lower part of the back or the back of animals.

**Alternate meanings and slang:**

– In some cases, “espalda” can be colloquially used to denote support or backing up in a figurative sense.
– “Cargar a espaldas” (literally “carry on one’s back”) can mean to bear a burden or responsibility.

**Examples of sentences that use it:**

– “Me duele la espalda después de sentarme todo el día.” (My back hurts after sitting all day.)
– “El nadador tiene una espalda muy fuerte.” (The swimmer has a very strong back.)
– “Necesito un masaje en la espalda para relajarme.” (I need a back massage to relax.)
– “La etiqueta de la camisa está rasguñando mi espalda.” (The shirt tag is scratching my back.)
– “En este equipo, siempre te cubriré la espalda.” (In this team, I will always have your back.)

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