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A1 noun #3,000 mais comum 13 min de leitura

espalda

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas espalda em 30 segundos

Explicação espalda in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'espalda' is taught as a basic part of the human body. Students learn to identify it alongside words like 'cabeza' (head), 'brazos' (arms), and 'piernas' (legs). The most crucial sentence pattern for an A1 learner is 'me duele la espalda' (my back hurts), which is essential for basic communication with a doctor or friend. Learners at this stage should focus on the correct gender (la espalda) and the fact that we use the definite article 'la' instead of the possessive 'mi' when using verbs of sensation like 'doler'. They also learn simple descriptions such as 'espalda grande' or 'espalda pequeña'. The goal is to use the word in simple, present-tense sentences to describe physical states or basic positions.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'espalda' to include more descriptive adjectives and simple prepositions. They might describe someone's posture using 'espalda recta' (straight back) or 'espalda encorvada' (slouched back). They also begin to use the word in the context of daily activities, such as 'llevar una mochila a la espalda' (carrying a backpack on the back). The concept of 'de espaldas' (with one's back turned) is introduced, allowing students to describe where people are facing in a room. At this level, students also start to encounter the word in the past tense, describing incidents like 'ayer me lastimé la espalda' (yesterday I hurt my back).

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By B1, students are expected to use 'espalda' in a variety of idiomatic expressions and more complex grammatical structures. They learn 'dar la espalda' (to turn one's back/ignore) and 'a espaldas de' (behind someone's back). This level requires understanding the metaphorical shift from a body part to a social action. Learners also encounter 'espalda' in technical contexts, such as 'estilo espalda' in swimming or 'ejercicios de espalda' in a fitness routine. They should be able to discuss health and wellness in more detail, perhaps giving advice like 'deberías dormir de espalda para evitar el dolor' (you should sleep on your back to avoid pain).

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At the B2 level, the use of 'espalda' becomes more nuanced and integrated into complex narratives. Students understand the nuances between 'espalda', 'lomo', and 'dorso'. They can use 'espalda' in formal writing to describe the back of a building or a landscape poetically. They are familiar with more advanced idioms like 'cubrir las espaldas' (to have someone's back/protect) and 'tener las espaldas cubiertas' (to be well-protected or have a safety net). At this stage, learners can use the word in hypothetical situations using the subjunctive, such as 'espero que no hablen a mis espaldas' (I hope they don't talk behind my back).

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C1 learners use 'espalda' with the precision of a native speaker, including rare or regional variations. They can appreciate the use of 'espalda' in literature, where it might symbolize the unknown or the past. They understand the etymological connection between 'espalda' and 'espátula' and can discuss how the word has evolved. They are comfortable using the plural 'espaldas' in traditional phrases like 'tener buenas espaldas' (to be able to endure a lot of work or criticism). At this level, the learner can switch between formal anatomical terms and colloquial slang without effort, recognizing the social weight each choice carries.

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At the C2 level, 'espalda' is used with complete mastery in all its literal and figurative senses. The learner can analyze literary texts where 'espalda' is used as a motif for betrayal or hidden truths. They are aware of archaic uses of the word found in classical Spanish literature (like Cervantes) and can distinguish them from modern usage. They can engage in highly technical medical or philosophical discussions where the back serves as a symbol of the human condition or the burden of history. The C2 speaker uses 'espalda' effortlessly in puns, wordplay, and complex rhetorical devices, demonstrating a profound deep-rooted understanding of the Spanish language.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

espalda em 30 segundos

Espalda means 'back' (body part).
It is a feminine noun: la espalda.
Used in many idioms like 'dar la espalda' (to ignore).
Essential for medical, sports, and daily contexts.

The Spanish word espalda is a fundamental noun that primarily refers to the human back, the posterior part of the body extending from the neck to the pelvis. In a literal anatomical sense, it encompasses the spine, the shoulder blades, and the various muscle groups like the latissimus dorsi and the trapezius. Understanding this word is essential for anyone learning Spanish because it is used daily in contexts ranging from health and fitness to fashion and social interactions. For instance, if you are at a doctor's office, you might say me duele la espalda to indicate back pain. In the world of sports, particularly swimming, espalda refers to the backstroke. Beyond the physical body, the word also extends to objects, such as the back of a chair or the back of a garment, although other words like respaldo or parte trasera might be more specific in those cases.

Anatomical Region: The area of the human torso opposite the chest and abdomen, containing the vertebral column.
Metaphorical Support: Often used to represent protection or the burden of responsibility, as seen in the phrase 'guardar las espaldas' (to watch someone's back).

When using this word, it is important to remember that it is a feminine noun, so it always takes the feminine article la or las. While it usually refers to the entire back, Spanish speakers often specify the area if there is discomfort: the zona lumbar (lower back) or zona dorsal (middle back).

El nadador tiene una espalda muy ancha y fuerte debido a su entrenamiento diario.

In social contexts, espalda appears in many idiomatic expressions that describe human behavior. To 'dar la espalda' (to give the back) means to ignore or abandon someone. Conversely, 'cubrir las espaldas' means to protect someone from potential harm or criticism. These metaphors are deeply rooted in the physical reality of the back being a vulnerable area that we cannot see ourselves, thus requiring others to watch it for us. Culturally, the back is also associated with labor. The phrase 'doblar el lomo' (to bend the back) is a common way to say someone is working very hard, usually in a physical capacity. However, even in office environments, the health of the espalda is a frequent topic of conversation due to the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles. Learning how to describe the back and its various states—whether it is recta (straight), encorvada (slouched), or cargada (tense)—is a key part of achieving fluency in Spanish.

Siempre trato de mantener la espalda recta cuando estoy sentado frente al ordenador.

Clothing Context: Used to describe the rear part of shirts, jackets, or dresses, especially when discussing a 'backless' design (escote en la espalda).

Se puso un vestido con un gran escote en la espalda para la gala.

Finally, the word is used in the plural, espaldas, in certain fixed expressions like 'a mis espaldas' (behind my back), which implies that something is happening without one's knowledge or consent, often with a negative or secretive connotation. This highlights the word's versatility in moving from a simple anatomical term to a powerful tool for describing social dynamics and human relationships.

Using the word espalda correctly involves more than just knowing its definition; it requires understanding its grammatical behavior and common verbal pairings. As a feminine noun, it must always be accompanied by feminine adjectives and articles. For example, you would say la espalda ancha (the wide back) or mi espalda adolorida (my sore back). One of the most common verbs associated with this word is doler (to hurt). Because doler functions like gustar, the sentence structure is me duele la espalda, literally 'the back hurts to me'. You should never say 'mi espalda duele' as it sounds unnatural to native speakers.

Positional Use: When describing position, 'de espaldas' means having one's back turned towards something or someone. Example: 'Estaba de espaldas a la puerta'.
Transitive Actions: Verbs like 'rascar' (to scratch), 'frotar' (to rub), or 'apoyar' (to lean/support) are frequently used with 'espalda'.

Por favor, ¿puedes rascarme la espalda? No alcanzo ese punto.

Another important aspect is the use of the plural espaldas. While the singular refers to the body part, the plural is used in idiomatic phrases like a espaldas de (behind someone's back). For example, Ellos hablaron a espaldas de su jefe means they spoke behind their boss's back. This plural usage is fixed and should be learned as a unit. In medical or fitness contexts, you will encounter terms like columna vertebral (spine) which is located in the espalda. You might hear a trainer say mantén la espalda recta (keep your back straight) or no dobles la espalda (don't bend your back) during an exercise.

El excursionista cargaba una mochila pesada a la espalda durante toda la caminata.

In the context of swimming, the word changes from a body part to a specific discipline. You can say él nada muy bien a espalda (he swims backstroke very well). Here, espalda acts as the name of the style. Furthermore, in literature or descriptive writing, espalda can be used to describe the rear side of buildings or landscapes, though this is more poetic.

Reflexive Verbs: Verbs like 'lastimarse' (to hurt oneself) are common: 'Me lastimé la espalda levantando pesas'.

No te quedes de espalda a la cámara; queremos ver tu rostro en la foto.

Ella tiene un tatuaje impresionante que le cubre toda la espalda.

In summary, mastering the use of espalda requires paying attention to the prepositions (a, de, en), the definite article, and the specific verbs that govern its meaning in different contexts. Whether you are describing a physical sensation, a sports technique, or a secretive action, espalda is the versatile tool you need.

The word espalda is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking environments, and the context in which you hear it can drastically change its nuance. In a clinical or medical setting, such as a centro de salud or a fisioterapia clinic, you will hear it constantly. Patients describe their symptoms using this word, and doctors provide instructions on how to care for the columna and músculos de la espalda. You might hear a specialist say tiene mucha tensión en la espalda alta (you have a lot of tension in your upper back). In gyms and yoga studios, instructors frequently use espalda to guide students through movements. Phrases like estira la espalda (stretch your back) or mantén la espalda apoyada en el suelo (keep your back supported on the floor) are standard instructions.

Medical Settings: Used to diagnose issues like 'escoliosis' (scoliosis) or 'hernia discal' (herniated disc).
Sports and Fitness: Crucial for swimming (estilo espalda) and weightlifting (ejercicios de espalda).

El fisioterapeuta me recomendó ejercicios para fortalecer la espalda baja.

In daily life, espalda is often heard in the context of complaints or casual observations. People often talk about how heavy their mochila (backpack) is and how it affects their espalda. In the workplace, especially among those who do physical labor, the espalda is a frequent topic of conversation regarding fatigue. You might hear a coworker say ayer me maté la espalda trabajando en el jardín (yesterday I killed my back working in the garden), using a common hyperbole to describe exhaustion. In more dramatic or gossipy contexts, the phrase a espaldas de is a staple of Spanish soap operas (telenovelas). Characters are constantly doing things behind each other's backs, leading to conflict and drama.

No es bueno hablar a espaldas de los amigos; es mejor ser honesto.

Another place you will encounter this word is in fashion and clothing stores. Sales associates might describe a garment by saying tiene un detalle muy bonito en la espalda (it has a very nice detail on the back). In tailoring, the ancho de espalda (back width) is a standard measurement. Furthermore, in literature and song lyrics, espalda is often used to symbolize the past or what has been left behind. For example, 'dejar algo a la espalda' means to move on from a situation.

Daily Idioms: 'Dar la espalda a la realidad' (To turn one's back on reality) is a common way to describe denial.

Cuando el jefe entró, todos los empleados estaban de espalda mirando por la ventana.

El niño se subió a la espalda de su padre para ver mejor el desfile.

Whether you are hearing it in a professional, athletic, or social setting, espalda is a word that connects the physical human experience with the complexities of social behavior and health.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using espalda is confusing it with other words that also mean 'back' in English but have different functions in Spanish. For example, atrás and detrás both mean 'back' or 'behind', but they are adverbs of place, not nouns. You cannot say 'me duele el atrás' because atrás describes a direction or location, not a body part. Always use espalda for the physical back. Another common mistake is the confusion between espalda and lomo. While both can refer to the back, lomo is specifically used for animals (like a 'lomo de cerdo' or 'pork loin') or the spine/back of a book. Calling a person's back 'lomo' can sound very informal or even rude, implying they are like a beast of burden.

Incorrect Possessives: Saying 'mi espalda duele' instead of 'me duele la espalda'. In Spanish, body parts are usually introduced with the definite article when the owner is clear.
Gender Errors: Confusing the gender and saying 'el espalda'. It is always 'la espalda'.

Incorrecto: Me duele el espalda. Correcto: Me duele la espalda.

Furthermore, learners often struggle with the prepositional phrases. 'De espaldas' (with one's back turned) is often confused with 'a espaldas' (behind someone's back/secretly). If you say 'estoy a espaldas de la puerta', it sounds like you are hiding behind the door in a metaphorical or secretive way, whereas 'estoy de espaldas a la puerta' simply means you are facing away from it. Another nuance involves the word respaldo. While respaldo can mean 'the back of a chair', learners sometimes use espalda for this. While understood, respaldo is the correct technical term for furniture.

No confundas espalda (cuerpo) con atrás (posición).

In the plural, be careful with 'las espaldas'. While it can be used to emphasize the breadth of a person's back, it is most commonly found in fixed expressions. Using it plural when referring to a single person's simple physical back in a normal sentence might sound slightly archaic or overly dramatic. For example, 'me duelen las espaldas' is much less common than 'me duele la espalda'.

Confusion with 'Hombros': Sometimes learners say 'espalda' when they specifically mean 'hombros' (shoulders). While connected, they are distinct parts.

Ella caminaba de espaldas para no perder de vista el mar.

Finally, remember that 'espalda' is used for the backstroke in swimming. Saying 'nado de atrás' or 'nado por detrás' would be incorrect. The specific term is 'estilo espalda'. By paying attention to these distinctions, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and sound more like a native speaker.

While espalda is the most common word for 'back', Spanish offers several alternatives depending on the context, whether it is anatomical, technical, or idiomatic. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the most precise word for your situation. For example, dorso is a more formal or scientific term for the back. You will see it on official forms or in medical textbooks. It can also refer to the 'back' of a hand (dorso de la mano) or the reverse side of a document. Another important word is lomo, which we have mentioned is used for animals and books. In certain regions, espinazo is used informally to refer to the spine or the back, often with a slightly rugged or rural connotation.

Dorso vs. Espalda: 'Espalda' is the general term for the human body part. 'Dorso' is used for the back of objects (like a sheet of paper) or in formal biological contexts.
Respaldo vs. Espalda: 'Respaldo' refers to the back of a seat or chair. It also means 'support' or 'backing' in a political or financial sense.

Escribe tu nombre en el dorso del cheque antes de cobrarlo.

If you are talking about the 'back' in terms of position or the rear part of something, you should use parte trasera or zaga. For example, the back of a car is the parte trasera, never the espalda. In sports, the zaga refers to the defensive line or the back of the field. Another interesting alternative is revés, which means 'the reverse' or 'the back side' of something like a fabric or a hand. In tennis, revés is the term for a backhand stroke.

El respaldo de la silla es de madera tallada y muy incómodo.

In the context of clothing, you might hear trasera to refer to the back panels of a garment. For example, la trasera de la chaqueta. If you want to describe someone as having a very strong back, you might use the adjective espalduado (broad-shouldered), though this is less common than simply saying de espalda ancha.

Zaga: Commonly used in soccer to refer to the defense: 'La zaga del equipo estuvo impecable'.

El tenista ganó el punto con un increíble golpe de revés.

By learning these distinctions, you will be able to describe the 'back' of anything—whether it is a person, a horse, a chair, a coin, or a soccer team—with the precision and vocabulary of a native speaker. Each word carries its own specific weight and context, making Spanish a rich language for description.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'espada' (sword) comes from the same Latin root 'spatha'. So, etymologically, your back and a sword are 'cousins' because of the blade shape of the shoulder bone.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ɛsˈpældə/

US /ɛsˈpɑːldə/

The stress is on the second syllable: es-PAL-da.

Rima com

falda gualda esmeralda guirnalda balda calda salda aldea (partial)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the initial 'e' as a long 'ee' sound.
Adding an 's' sound before the 'e' (S-espalda).
Making the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
Stressing the first or last syllable instead of the middle.
Not pronouncing the 'l' clearly.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Escrita 2/5

Easy, but remember the 'e' at the beginning and it is feminine.

Expressão oral 2/5

The 'l' and 'd' combination requires a bit of practice for perfect native flow.

Audição 1/5

Distinct sound, rarely confused with other words.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

cuerpo brazo pierna mano dolor

Aprenda a seguir

columna hombro cuello cintura músculo

Avançado

omóplato vértebra lumbar cervical escoliosis

Gramática essencial

Reflexive verbs with body parts

Me lavo la espalda (I wash my back).

Doler construction

Le duele la espalda (His/Her back hurts).

Definite articles for body parts

Tengo la espalda cansada (My back is tired).

Preposition 'a' for carrying

Llevar al niño a la espalda (To carry the child on the back).

Adjective agreement

Espalda ancha (Wide back).

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Exemplos por nível

Me duele la espalda hoy.

My back hurts today.

Uses 'doler' in the third person singular.

La niña tiene una mochila en la espalda.

The girl has a backpack on her back.

Definite article 'la' is used.

Toca tu espalda con las manos.

Touch your back with your hands.

Imperative form of 'tocar'.

Mi abuelo tiene la espalda muy recta.

My grandfather has a very straight back.

Adjective 'recta' matches the feminine noun.

¿Es grande tu espalda?

Is your back big?

Simple question structure.

Ella tiene un lunar en la espalda.

She has a mole on her back.

Preposition 'en' indicates location.

Lava tu espalda con jabón.

Wash your back with soap.

Direct command.

La espalda es una parte del cuerpo.

The back is a part of the body.

Definitional sentence.

Él camina con la espalda un poco doblada.

He walks with his back slightly bent.

Use of 'con' to describe manner.

No puedo ver mi propia espalda.

I cannot see my own back.

Adjective 'propia' for emphasis.

Ella se puso crema en la espalda.

She put cream on her back.

Reflexive verb 'ponerse'.

Estamos sentados espalda con espalda.

We are sitting back to back.

Fixed expression 'espalda con espalda'.

El gato saltó a la espalda del sofá.

The cat jumped onto the back of the sofa.

Using 'espalda' for furniture (informal).

Me gusta nadar a espalda en la piscina.

I like to swim backstroke in the pool.

Use of 'a espalda' as a sports term.

Tienes una mancha en la espalda de la camisa.

You have a stain on the back of your shirt.

Describing the back of a garment.

Ayer dormí de espalda toda la noche.

Yesterday I slept on my back all night.

Adverbial phrase 'de espalda'.

Nunca le des la espalda a un problema.

Never turn your back on a problem.

Idiomatic use of 'dar la espalda'.

Ellos hablaron mal de mí a mis espaldas.

They spoke ill of me behind my back.

Plural idiomatic use 'a mis espaldas'.

Es importante fortalecer la espalda para no tener dolores.

It is important to strengthen the back to avoid pain.

Infinitive 'fortalecer' as a subject.

El ciclista tiene mucha potencia en la espalda.

The cyclist has a lot of power in their back.

Context of physical strength.

Me cubrió las espaldas cuando el jefe me preguntó.

He covered for me when the boss asked.

Idiom 'cubrir las espaldas'.

Se quedó de espaldas a la ventana mirando el cuadro.

He stood with his back to the window looking at the painting.

Prepositional phrase 'de espaldas a'.

La mochila es tan pesada que me tira de la espalda.

The backpack is so heavy that it pulls on my back.

Verb 'tirar de' meaning to pull.

Tienes que mantener la espalda apoyada contra la pared.

You have to keep your back pressed against the wall.

Participle 'apoyada' used as an adjective.

No podemos vivir a espaldas de la realidad climática.

We cannot live turning our backs on the climate reality.

Abstract metaphorical use.

El político se siente traicionado porque le dieron la espalda.

The politician feels betrayed because they turned their backs on him.

Passive sense of abandonment.

Lleva años cargando con esa responsabilidad a la espalda.

He has been carrying that responsibility on his back for years.

Metaphor for psychological burden.

La casa tiene una terraza preciosa a la espalda del edificio.

The house has a beautiful terrace at the back of the building.

Describing architectural orientation.

El nadador se especializa en los cien metros espalda.

The swimmer specializes in the one hundred meter backstroke.

Technical sports terminology.

Si trabajas en la oficina, cuida la salud de tu espalda.

If you work in an office, take care of your back health.

Imperative 'cuida'.

El diseño del vestido destaca por el encaje en la espalda.

The dress design stands out for the lace on the back.

Fashion context.

Se enfrentaron espalda con espalda contra los enemigos.

They faced the enemies back to back.

Literary/Action context.

La ciudad creció a espaldas del río, ignorando su belleza.

The city grew with its back to the river, ignoring its beauty.

Poetic/Metaphorical urban description.

A pesar de las críticas, él tiene las espaldas muy bien cubiertas.

Despite the criticism, he is very well protected.

Idiom for having a safety net/protection.

El autor retrata la soledad del hombre que da la espalda al mundo.

The author portrays the loneliness of the man who turns his back on the world.

Literary analysis.

Fue una puñalada por la espalda que nadie vio venir.

It was a stab in the back that no one saw coming.

Common idiom for betrayal.

Debes doblar el lomo si quieres conseguir ese ascenso.

You must work hard if you want to get that promotion.

Colloquial use of 'lomo' for hard work.

La musculatura de su espalda denotaba años de trabajo físico.

The musculature of his back showed years of physical labor.

Formal vocabulary 'denotaba'.

Caminaba con el peso del pasado a sus espaldas.

He walked with the weight of the past on his back.

Existential metaphor.

El reverso de la moneda es tan importante como la cara.

The back of the coin is as important as the face.

Using 'reverso' as a synonym for back.

La orografía del terreno obligaba a los soldados a avanzar de espaldas al sol.

The terrain's topography forced the soldiers to advance with their backs to the sun.

Highly formal/Technical description.

Su prosa es una espalda desnuda frente a la hipocresía social.

His prose is a naked back facing social hypocrisy.

Deeply metaphorical literary device.

Aquel noble tenía espaldas suficientes para soportar el desprecio real.

That nobleman had enough resilience to endure the royal contempt.

Archaic use of 'espaldas' for resilience.

Se dice que la traición se fragua siempre a espaldas de la justicia.

It is said that betrayal is always forged behind the back of justice.

Philosophical/Legal context.

El escultor logró captar cada vértebra en la espalda de mármol.

The sculptor managed to capture every vertebra in the marble back.

Artistic/Anatomical precision.

Vivir a espaldas de la historia es condenarse a repetirla.

To live turning one's back on history is to condemn oneself to repeat it.

Axiomatic expression.

La espalda del cuadro revelaba una firma oculta durante siglos.

The back of the painting revealed a signature hidden for centuries.

Technical art history context.

El fardo de la culpa le encorvaba la espalda de manera irreversible.

The burden of guilt bent his back irreversibly.

Psychological/Physical parallel.

Sinônimos

dorso lomo revés trasera zaga espinazo reverso posterior

Antônimos

pecho frente vientre rostro

Colocações comuns

dolor de espalda

espalda ancha

espalda recta

de espaldas

a la espalda

dar la espalda

cubrir las espaldas

estilo espalda

espalda cargada

espalda contra espalda

Frases Comuns

Me duele la espalda

— My back hurts. Used for physical discomfort.

Me duele la espalda de tanto estar sentado.

A espaldas de alguien

— Doing something without someone's knowledge. Often negative.

Lo hicieron a espaldas de su padre.

De espaldas a

— Facing away from something.

Se sentó de espaldas a la luz.

Cargar a la espalda

— To carry something or someone on one's back.

Cargó al niño a la espalda.

Espalda con espalda

— Back to back. Can be physical or supportive.

Lucharon espalda con espalda.

Guardar las espaldas

— To watch someone's back or protect them.

Siempre guardo las espaldas de mi hermano.

Doblar la espalda

— To work hard or to submit.

No voy a doblar la espalda ante nadie.

Tener buenas espaldas

— To be able to handle a lot of pressure or work.

Ella tiene buenas espaldas para este cargo.

Caer de espalda

— To fall backward.

Se resbaló y cayó de espalda.

Tocar la espalda

— To touch or pat someone on the back.

Le tocó la espalda para saludarlo.

Frequentemente confundido com

espalda vs atrás

Atrás is an adverb meaning 'back/behind' (direction), while espalda is a noun (body part).

espalda vs hombros

Hombros are shoulders. They are near the back but not the same thing.

espalda vs respaldo

Respaldo is the back of a chair or political support, not the human back.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Dar la espalda"

— To ignore or refuse to help someone.

Sus amigos le dieron la espalda cuando más los necesitaba.

general

"Cubrir las espaldas"

— To protect someone from danger or blame.

No te preocupes, yo te cubro las espaldas.

general

"A espaldas de la ley"

— Illegally or secretly from authorities.

Operaban a espaldas de la ley durante años.

formal

"Tener las espaldas cubiertas"

— To have a guaranteed safety net or protection.

Él puede arriesgarse porque tiene las espaldas cubiertas por su familia.

general

"Vivir a espaldas del mundo"

— To live in isolation or unaware of current events.

Desde que se mudó al campo, vive a espaldas del mundo.

literary

"Echarse algo a la espalda"

— To take on a heavy responsibility or ignore a problem.

Se echó toda la deuda a la espalda.

general

"Puñalada por la espalda"

— A betrayal by someone trusted.

Ese comentario fue una puñalada por la espalda.

informal

"De espaldas al sol"

— With the sun behind you.

Es mejor trabajar de espaldas al sol.

general

"Hacerse a espaldas"

— To happen without notice.

El cambio se hizo a espaldas de los vecinos.

general

"Poner a alguien de espaldas"

— To overwhelm someone or defeat them.

La noticia lo puso de espaldas.

informal

Fácil de confundir

espalda vs lomo

Both mean back.

Lomo is for animals or books; espalda is for humans.

El lomo del libro es rojo.

espalda vs dorso

Both refer to the rear side.

Dorso is formal or for the back of the hand/paper.

Firma en el dorso.

espalda vs detrás

Means behind.

Detrás is a preposition of place; espalda is a physical object.

Él está detrás de ti.

espalda vs reverso

Means back side.

Reverso is specifically for coins or medals.

El reverso de la medalla.

espalda vs zaga

Means back part.

Zaga is used in sports (defense) or military contexts.

La zaga está lista.

Padrões de frases

Me duele la [body part]

Me duele la espalda.

Llevar [object] a la espalda

Llevo la mochila a la espalda.

Dar la espalda a [someone/something]

No le des la espalda al futuro.

A espaldas de [someone]

Lo hizo a espaldas de su madre.

Tener las espaldas cubiertas

Él tiene las espaldas cubiertas por su seguro.

Doblar el lomo

Hay que doblar el lomo para ganar dinero.

Puñalada por la espalda

Fue una puñalada por la espalda inesperada.

Vivir a espaldas de [concept]

Vivir a espaldas de la ciencia es peligroso.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

espaldar

espaldarazo

espaldilla

respaldo

Verbos

respaldar

despaldar

Adjetivos

espalduado

respaldado

Relacionado

columna

hombro

lomo

dorso

nuca

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Erros comuns

Me duele mi espalda. → Me duele la espalda.
In Spanish, we use definite articles for body parts when the owner is the subject.
El espalda es fuerte. → La espalda es fuerte.
Espalda is a feminine noun.
Él está de espalda de la mesa. → Él está de espaldas a la mesa.
The correct prepositional phrase is 'de espaldas a'.
Habló a mi espalda. → Habló a mis espaldas.
The idiom 'behind my back' is usually plural: 'a mis espaldas'.
Me duele el lomo. → Me duele la espalda.
Lomo is for animals; using it for humans is very informal or slang.

Dicas

Article Usage

Always use 'la' with espalda. Remember: La espalda es femenina.

Animal vs Human

Use 'lomo' for your dog and 'espalda' for your friend.

Posture

Say 'espalda recta' to remind yourself to sit up straight.

Secretive Actions

Use 'a espaldas de' when someone is gossiping.

Swimming

If you swim on your back, you are doing 'espalda'.

Soft D

The 'd' in espalda is soft, almost like a 'th' in 'this'.

Adjective Matching

Ensure adjectives end in 'a' (e.g., espalda cansada).

Physical Touch

A 'palmada en la espalda' is a common friendly gesture.

Mnemonic

Think of the 'E' in 'Espalda' as 'Everything behind you'.

Backless

A backless dress is a 'vestido con escote en la espalda'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Spátula' (spatula) being used to flip something on its 'back'. The flat blade of the spatula looks like your shoulder blade in your 'espalda'.

Associação visual

Imagine a giant 'S' (for Spanish) drawn on someone's back. The 'S' stands for 'Espalda'.

Word Web

columna vertebra masaje mochila postura dolor nadar camisa

Desafio

Try to spend a whole day noticing whenever you sit with a curved back and say '¡Espalda recta!' to yourself.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin word 'spatula', which is a diminutive of 'spatha', meaning a broad blade or sword.

Significado original: It originally referred to the shoulder blade (scapula) due to its flat, blade-like shape.

Romance (Latin)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'lomo' for a person's back, as it can be seen as dehumanizing in some contexts.

English speakers use 'back' for everything; Spanish speakers are more specific (espalda for body, respaldo for chair, lomo for animal).

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (El jorobado de Notre Dame) is defined by his 'espalda'. The phrase 'dar la espalda' is a common trope in Hispanic telenovelas. Frida Kahlo's painting 'The Broken Column' (La columna rota) focuses on her injured back.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At the Doctor

Me duele la espalda
Tengo un nudo en la espalda
Me lastimé la espalda
Necesito un masaje

At the Gym

Día de espalda
Mantén la espalda recta
Estira la espalda
Fortalecer la espalda

At School

Ponte la mochila
No dobles la espalda
Siéntate bien
Me pesa la espalda

In Relationships

No me des la espalda
Hablar a mis espaldas
Cubrir las espaldas
Traición por la espalda

In Swimming

Nadar a espalda
Estilo espalda
Gorro de espalda
Viraje de espalda

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Te duele la espalda después de trabajar tanto tiempo sentado?"

"¿Qué ejercicios haces para fortalecer la espalda en el gimnasio?"

"¿Alguna vez has sentido que alguien hablaba a tus espaldas?"

"¿Prefieres dormir de espalda, de lado o boca abajo?"

"¿Crees que las mochilas de los niños son demasiado pesadas para su espalda?"

Temas para diário

Describe un día en el que te dolió mucho la espalda y qué hiciste para sentirte mejor.

Escribe sobre una situación en la que alguien te cubrió las espaldas en un momento difícil.

¿Qué importancia tiene mantener la espalda recta para la confianza personal?

Reflexiona sobre la expresión 'dar la espalda a los problemas'. ¿Es mejor enfrentarlos?

Describe la espalda de un atleta famoso y por qué crees que es tan fuerte.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Se dice 'la espalda'. Es un sustantivo femenino.

Se dice 'estilo espalda' o simplemente 'espalda'.

No es natural. Lo correcto es decir 'me duele la espalda'.

Espalda es para personas y lomo es para animales o libros.

Significa ignorar a alguien o no querer ayudar.

Se dice 'el respaldo de la silla'.

Sí, es una expresión correcta que significa 'sin que yo lo sepa'.

Es la zona lumbar, la parte de la espalda cerca de la cintura.

Se dice 'mochila', y se lleva 'a la espalda'.

Significa proteger o vigilar a alguien para que no le pase nada malo.

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