Body Parts in Spanish: The Only Guide You Need
Whether you're at the doctor, at the gym, or just describing someone, knowing body parts in Spanish is one of those vocabulary sets you'll use constantly. This guide covers over 40 essential words organized by body region, with pronunciation audio and practical tips.
How Do You Say Body Parts in Spanish?
In Spanish, "body" is el cuerpo and "body part" is la parte del cuerpo. Every body part has a grammatical gender (masculine or feminine), so you always learn it with its article: el or la.
In Spanish you say "Me duele la cabeza" (not "mi cabeza") when talking about pain. Use the definite article, not the possessive.
Head and Face — La Cabeza y La Cara
Let's start from the top. These are the words you need for the head and face region.
Spanish has two words for "ear": la oreja is the visible outer ear, and el oído is the inner ear or the sense of hearing.
Upper Body — El Torso y Los Brazos
These words cover everything from the neck down to the waist, plus your arms and hands.
Lower Body — Las Piernas y Los Pies
From the hips down, here are the essential lower body vocabulary words.
How to Talk About Pain in Spanish
One of the most practical reasons to learn body parts is to describe pain or symptoms. Here's the key structure:
- Me duele + singular body part → Me duele la cabeza (My head hurts)
- Me duelen + plural body part → Me duelen los pies (My feet hurt)
Notice how the verb doler works like gustar — the body part is the subject, not you.
To say "I broke my arm," say "Me rompí el brazo" — again using the article instead of "my."
Learn from Your Home Screen
Vocabito puts Spanish words on your Home Screen with pronunciation, example sentences, and audio — so you learn without even opening the app.
Tips to Memorize Body Parts in Spanish
- Touch and say: Point to each body part and say the Spanish word out loud.
- Use flashcards with images: Visual association speeds up recall significantly.
- Practice with a partner: Play "Simon says" (Simón dice) using body part vocabulary.
- Label yourself: Use sticky notes on a mirror with the Spanish words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common body parts in Spanish?
The most common body parts in Spanish are la cabeza (head), el brazo (arm), la mano (hand), la pierna (leg), and el pie (foot). These are used daily in conversation and are essential for beginners.
Are body parts in Spanish masculine or feminine?
Body parts in Spanish can be either masculine or feminine. For example, el ojo (eye) is masculine while la boca (mouth) is feminine. There is no consistent rule — you need to learn the article with each word.
How do you say "my head hurts" in Spanish?
You say "Me duele la cabeza" (literally: "The head hurts me"). In Spanish, you use the definite article (la/el) instead of the possessive (my) when talking about body pain.
What is the difference between dedo and dedo del pie?
Dedo by itself usually refers to a finger. To specify a toe, you say dedo del pie (literally "finger of the foot"). Context usually makes it clear which one you mean.