sexo
sexo في 30 ثانية
- Refers to biological male or female categories.
- Always a masculine noun: 'el sexo'.
- Commonly found on official forms and IDs.
- Can also refer to the act of sexual intercourse.
The Spanish word sexo primarily refers to the biological classification of living beings as male or female. At its core, it is a noun used to categorize organisms based on their reproductive functions and physical characteristics. In everyday life, especially at the A2 level, you will encounter this word most frequently on official documents, medical forms, and in basic biological discussions. It is important to distinguish this from 'gender' (género), which refers more to social and cultural identity, although in casual conversation, they are sometimes used interchangeably.
- Biological Category
- Refers to the distinction between male (macho/hombre) and female (hembra/mujer).
- Grammatical Gender
- The word 'sexo' itself is a masculine noun (el sexo), regardless of the person it describes.
- Activity
- It also refers to the physical act of sexual intercourse.
"Por favor, indique su sexo en el formulario: masculino o femenino."
In a broader sense, 'sexo' encompasses the set of anatomical and physiological characteristics that define humans as men or women. When you are filling out a passport application or a hospital intake form, the field labeled 'sexo' is asking for your biological designation. It is one of the first words learners see in formal contexts because it is essential for identification.
"El sexo de los cachorros aún no se conoce."
Historically, the word derives from the Latin 'sexus', which means 'division' or 'half', reflecting the division of the species into two parts for reproduction. This etymological root helps explain why the word is so clinical and foundational in the language. Whether you are studying medicine, law, or just traveling, understanding how to respond to this prompt is vital.
"Hay que determinar el sexo de la planta para saber si dará frutos."
- Formal Usage
- Used in census data, medical records, and legal identification.
- Scientific Usage
- Used in botany, zoology, and genetics.
"El documento de identidad muestra el sexo legal de la persona."
Using the word sexo correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical properties and its various semantic layers. As a masculine noun, it always takes the article 'el' or 'un'. Even if you are talking about a female's biological sex, you still say 'el sexo'. This is a common point of confusion for beginners who might want to change the gender of the noun to match the subject.
- Grammar Rule
- Always masculine: 'El sexo', never 'La sexa'.
- Adjective Agreement
- Adjectives must be masculine: 'sexo opuesto', 'sexo débil' (dated), 'sexo biológico'.
In administrative contexts, you will see it followed by the adjectives 'masculino' or 'femenino'. For example, 'Sexo: Masculino'. In more complex sentences, it can be the subject or the object. 'El sexo influye en ciertos riesgos médicos' (Sex influences certain medical risks). Here, the word is used in a scientific or objective manner.
"No importa el sexo, todos tienen los mismos derechos."
When referring to the act of sex, it is often used with verbs like 'tener' (to have). 'Tener sexo' is a common, somewhat direct way to say 'to have sex'. In more formal or romantic contexts, phrases like 'hacer el amor' (to make love) or 'relaciones sexuales' (sexual relations) are preferred. As a learner, it is important to know the difference in register to avoid being accidentally blunt or inappropriate.
In the plural, 'sexos' refers to both males and females as groups. 'La igualdad entre los sexos' (Equality between the sexes) is a standard phrase used in social and political discussions. This usage highlights the collective nature of the word, grouping individuals by their biological traits.
You will encounter the word sexo in a variety of environments, ranging from the highly formal to the very casual. Understanding these contexts will help you interpret the speaker's intent and choose the right response.
1. Administrative and Legal Settings
This is the most common place for an A2 learner to see the word. At the airport, in a police station, or when registering for a school, you will see 'Sexo' on every form. It is usually a checkbox. You will hear officials ask, '¿Cuál es su sexo?' or 'Indique su sexo, por favor'.
2. Medical and Scientific Contexts
In a doctor's office, 'sexo' is used to discuss biological predispositions. A doctor might say, 'Ciertas enfermedades son más comunes en el sexo femenino'. In a biology class, you will hear about 'el sexo de las plantas' or 'la determinación del sexo' in embryos.
3. Media and News
News reports often use the word when discussing demographics or crime statistics. 'Víctimas de ambos sexos' (Victims of both sexes) is a common phrase. In sociological debates, you'll hear about the 'brecha entre los sexos' (the gap between the sexes).
"El estudio analizó a mil personas de diferente sexo y edad."
Even though 'sexo' seems straightforward, there are several pitfalls for English speakers and new learners of Spanish. Avoiding these will make your Spanish sound more natural and precise.
1. Confusing 'Sexo' with 'Género'
In English, 'sex' and 'gender' are often used interchangeably, but in Spanish, the distinction is becoming sharper. Use sexo for biological traits (chromosomes, anatomy) and género for social roles and identity. Using 'sexo' to describe someone's personality or social role might sound outdated or overly clinical.
2. Incorrect Grammatical Gender
Because 'sexo' can refer to a woman, some learners try to say 'la sexa' or 'la sexo'. This is always incorrect. The word is 'el sexo' (masculine) regardless of who it refers to. Similarly, adjectives must remain masculine: 'el sexo femenino', not 'la sexo femenina'.
3. Overusing it for the 'Act'
In English, 'sex' is the most common word for the physical act. In Spanish, while 'sexo' is used, it can sound a bit 'pornographic' or overly blunt in certain social situations. If you are talking to a doctor, use 'relaciones sexuales'. If you are talking to a partner, 'hacer el amor' is more common in a romantic sense.
Incorrect: Ella es de la sexo femenino.
Correct: Ella es del sexo femenino.
To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words related to sexo and understand their specific nuances.
- Género (Gender)
- Refers to the social, cultural, and psychological identity. Also used for 'genre' in literature or 'gender' in grammar.
- Sexualidad (Sexuality)
- The capacity for sexual feelings and the way people experience and express themselves sexually.
- Especie (Species)
- A broader biological category. Sometimes confused when discussing animal biology.
- Condición (Condition/Status)
- Used in phrases like 'condición sexual' to refer to sexual orientation in some formal contexts.
While 'sexo' is the biological 'what', 'género' is the social 'how'. For example, 'el sexo de un bebé' is determined at birth, but 'la identidad de género' is how that person grows to feel. Understanding these synonyms and related terms is crucial for participating in modern conversations about identity and biology.
"El género es una construcción social, mientras que el sexo es biológico."
How Formal Is It?
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مستوى الصعوبة
قواعد يجب معرفتها
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Marque su sexo en el papel.
Mark your sex on the paper.
Imperative form 'marque'.
Nombre, edad y sexo.
Name, age, and sex.
List of nouns.
¿Cuál es el sexo del bebé?
What is the baby's sex?
Interrogative sentence.
El sexo es masculino.
The sex is male.
Subject + verb + adjective.
El sexo es femenino.
The sex is female.
Subject + verb + adjective.
Tengo un perro de sexo macho.
I have a male dog.
Prepositional phrase 'de sexo'.
En el pasaporte dice el sexo.
The passport says the sex.
Direct object.
Ella escribe su sexo.
She writes her sex.
Present tense.
El médico pregunta por el sexo del paciente.
The doctor asks about the patient's sex.
Preposition 'por' with 'preguntar'.
Hay ropa para ambos sexos.
There is clothing for both sexes.
Adjective 'ambos'.
El sexo de los animales es importante para la cría.
The sex of animals is important for breeding.
Noun phrase as subject.
No sé el sexo de mi gato todavía.
I don't know my cat's sex yet.
Negative sentence.
En esta escuela hay niños de los dos sexos.
In this school there are children of both sexes.
Plural 'sexos'.
El sexo biológico se determina al nacer.
Biological sex is determined at birth.
Passive voice with 'se'.
La entrada es gratis para el sexo femenino.
Entry is free for the female sex.
Adjective 'femenino' modifying 'sexo'.
Es un club solo para un sexo.
It is a club for only one sex.
Indefinite article 'un'.
La ley prohíbe la discriminación por sexo.
The law prohibits discrimination by sex.
Preposition 'por' indicating cause.
Es importante hablar de sexo con naturalidad.
It is important to talk about sex naturally.
Infinitive 'hablar' as subject.
El sexo no debería definir tus oportunidades.
Sex should not define your opportunities.
Conditional 'debería'.
Muchos jóvenes tienen dudas sobre el sexo.
Many young people have doubts about sex.
Preposition 'sobre'.
La educación sobre el sexo es necesaria en las escuelas.
Education about sex is necessary in schools.
Noun phrase 'educación sobre el sexo'.
Ella no quiere revelar su sexo en la encuesta.
She doesn't want to reveal her sex in the survey.
Infinitive 'revelar'.
El sexo débil es una expresión anticuada.
'The weaker sex' is an outdated expression.
Adjective 'anticuada'.
Existen diferencias físicas entre los sexos.
Physical differences exist between the sexes.
Verb 'existir' in plural.
El sexo cromosómico se define en la concepción.
Chromosomal sex is defined at conception.
Scientific adjective 'cromosómico'.
La brecha salarial entre sexos sigue siendo un problema.
The wage gap between sexes remains a problem.
Gerund 'siendo'.
A menudo se confunde el sexo con el género.
Sex is often confused with gender.
Impersonal 'se'.
El sexo de la planta depende de factores ambientales.
The sex of the plant depends on environmental factors.
Verb 'depender de'.
El cine ha explorado el sexo de muchas formas.
Cinema has explored sex in many ways.
Present perfect 'ha explorado'.
No se puede reducir a una persona a su sexo.
A person cannot be reduced to their sex.
Passive reflexive 'se puede'.
El sexo seguro es fundamental para la salud pública.
Safe sex is fundamental for public health.
Adjective 'seguro'.
La literatura trata el tema del sexo con audacia.
Literature treats the subject of sex with boldness.
Noun 'tema'.
La reasignación de sexo es un proceso complejo.
Sex reassignment is a complex process.
Compound noun phrase.
El dimorfismo sexual es evidente en muchas especies.
Sexual dimorphism is evident in many species.
Scientific terminology.
El sexo jurídico debe coincidir con la realidad del individuo.
Legal sex must coincide with the individual's reality.
Adjective 'jurídico'.
Se debate la abolición de la mención del sexo en los documentos.
The abolition of the mention of sex in documents is being debated.
Passive 'se debate'.
La distinción de sexo ha sido la base de muchas jerarquías.
The distinction of sex has been the basis of many hierarchies.
Present perfect 'ha sido'.
El sexo no es un binarismo absoluto en la naturaleza.
Sex is not an absolute binary in nature.
Negative copulative sentence.
La sociología analiza cómo el sexo influye en el poder.
Sociology analyzes how sex influences power.
Subordinate clause with 'cómo'.
El sexo como categoría de análisis es fundamental.
Sex as a category of analysis is fundamental.
Preposition 'como'.
La ontología del sexo trasciende lo meramente biológico.
The ontology of sex transcends the merely biological.
Philosophical vocabulary.
El sexo es un significante cargado de connotaciones históricas.
Sex is a signifier loaded with historical connotations.
Linguistic terminology.
La performatividad a menudo se yuxtapone al sexo anatómico.
Performativity is often juxtaposed with anatomical sex.
Advanced verb 'yuxtaponer'.
Se cuestiona la hegemonía del sexo en la definición del sujeto.
The hegemony of sex in the definition of the subject is questioned.
Abstract noun 'hegemonía'.
El sexo, en su acepción más cruda, es puro instinto.
Sex, in its crudest sense, is pure instinct.
Apposition 'en su acepción...'.
La dialéctica entre los sexos ha evolucionado siglos.
The dialectic between the sexes has evolved for centuries.
Noun 'dialéctica'.
El sexo es el eje sobre el cual gira la reproducción.
Sex is the axis on which reproduction revolves.
Relative clause 'sobre el cual'.
La desbiologización del sexo es un fenómeno contemporáneo.
The de-biologization of sex is a contemporary phenomenon.
Complex noun 'desbiologización'.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
¿Cuál es su sexo?
Sexo: M/F
Igualdad de sexo
Guerra de los sexos
El sexo fuerte
El sexo débil
Relaciones de sexo
Sin distinción de sexo
Sexo analítico
Sexo casual
يُخلط عادةً مع
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
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سهل الخلط
أنماط الجُمل
كيفية الاستخدام
Refers to physical traits.
Refers to the act.
Refers to the category on a form.
- Saying 'la sexo' for a female.
- Confusing 'sexo' with 'seis' (6).
- Using 'sexo' when 'género' is more appropriate in a social context.
- Mispronouncing the 'x' as 's'.
- Using 'hombre/mujer' on a form where it asks for 'macho/hembra' for animals.
نصائح
Gender Consistency
Always use masculine adjectives with 'sexo'. Say 'sexo biológico', not 'sexo biológica'.
Macho vs Hembra
Use these words when talking about the 'sexo' of animals specifically.
Sensitivity
Be aware that 'género' is often preferred in social discussions today.
Form Filling
Look for 'M' and 'F' as standard abbreviations for 'sexo'.
The 'X' sound
Don't drop the 'k' sound in the 'x'. It is 'sek-so', not 'se-so'.
Context Clues
If you see 'sexo' in a biology book, it's about reproduction.
Politeness
Use 'relaciones sexuales' in formal or medical conversations.
Official Forms
Listen for this word at customs or doctor's offices.
Clarity
Use 'sexo' when you mean biological data specifically.
Equality
The phrase 'igualdad de sexos' is very common in Spanish news.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of the 'X' in 'sexo' as two crossed paths representing male and female.
أصل الكلمة
Latin
السياق الثقافي
Very progressive; laws allow for self-identification of sex.
Avoid using 'sexo' bluntly in formal introductions; use 'género' or 'identidad' if appropriate.
Varies by country; some are conservative, others like Argentina are very progressive.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
بدايات محادثة
"¿Crees que el sexo influye en la personalidad?"
"¿Cómo se dice el sexo de este animal?"
"¿Es importante el sexo en los documentos oficiales?"
"¿Qué opinas sobre la igualdad entre los sexos?"
"¿Sabes el sexo del bebé de María?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Escribe sobre la importancia de la igualdad de sexo.
Describe una situación donde tuviste que indicar tu sexo.
¿Cómo ha cambiado la visión del sexo en tu país?
Explica la diferencia entre sexo y género en tus propias palabras.
¿Por qué es importante saber el sexo de los animales en una granja?
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةSí, el sustantivo 'sexo' es siempre masculino en gramática, incluso si se refiere a una mujer.
El sexo es biológico (anatomía) y el género es social (identidad y roles).
Para personas, 'hombre' y 'mujer'. Para animales, 'macho' y 'hembra'.
No, es una palabra técnica y normal, pero depende del contexto si te refieres al acto físico.
Debes marcar 'Femenino' o 'Mujer'.
Sí, en botánica se habla del sexo de las flores y plantas.
Se pronuncia como 'ks', igual que en inglés 'taxi'.
Significa practicar relaciones sexuales con protección para evitar enfermedades.
Sí, se usa para referirse a hombres y mujeres colectivamente.
Sí, es una palabra de nivel básico/intermedio muy necesaria.
اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'sexo' is an essential Spanish noun for identification and biology. It is grammatically masculine and should be distinguished from 'género' in modern social contexts.
- Refers to biological male or female categories.
- Always a masculine noun: 'el sexo'.
- Commonly found on official forms and IDs.
- Can also refer to the act of sexual intercourse.
Gender Consistency
Always use masculine adjectives with 'sexo'. Say 'sexo biológico', not 'sexo biológica'.
Macho vs Hembra
Use these words when talking about the 'sexo' of animals specifically.
Sensitivity
Be aware that 'género' is often preferred in social discussions today.
Form Filling
Look for 'M' and 'F' as standard abbreviations for 'sexo'.
مثال
En el formulario hay una casilla para indicar el sexo.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات general
a causa de
A2تعني 'بسبب'. تُستخدم لذكر السبب متبوعة باسم.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2ربما؛ قد يكون. 'A lo mejor' هي عبارة شائعة جداً في المحادثات اليومية.
a menos que
B1إلا إذا. لن أذهب إلا إذا جاء. (I won't go unless he comes.)
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
