A1 -A2 Level. What Are the Names for Body Parts in Spanish?
Updated: Jan 31, 2022
The names for body parts in Spanish are part of the basic vocabulary any language learner will need. In addition, you'll find these simple words very useful right away. Whether you're in a clothing store or a doctor's clinic, these words will come quite handy.
Here are some of the Spanish words for common body parts:
Grammar and the body parts in Spanish
There are two major differences in speaking about body parts in Spanish compared to speaking about body parts in English.
The first is that, in Spanish, you must include a definite article with each body part term. Each singular body part will be preceded by the definite article el or la. The plural versions are los and las, respectively. In English, you could say, “The wrist and elbow are swollen,” with just one definite article before “wrist.” For parts of the body in Spanish, however, you’d need to say “La muñeca y el codo están hinchados” which directly translates to “The wrist and the elbow are swollen.” Each body part needs its own definite article.
Let's see some example:
The possessive adjective is used when needed to avoid ambiguity.
Me gustan tus ojos. (I like your eyes.)
Acerqué mi mano a su cabeza. (I moved my hand close to his head.)
Although English often omits the definite article when referring to body parts, they are usually retained in Spanish when a possessive adjective is not used.
Tengo el pelo negro. (I have black hair.)
Prefiero los ojos verdes. (I prefer green eyes.)
Let's practice:
Listenting and Quiz activity No. 1: "El cuerpo".
Now, let's watch this video about the body parts vocabulary in Spanish. Notice that the speakers use the third person in singular , pay attention to the conjugations of the verb tener. We are also going to review the lesson how to describe people and some uses of the Spanish verbs decir (to say), cerrar (to close) y mover (to move).
Watch the video as many times as you need and after that answer the questions at the bottom. Write your answer in the comments.
¿Qué hace Christina?
1. ____ se toca la oreja. 5.____levanta el brazo derecho
2. ____ mueve la cabeza 6.____ se toca la nariz
3. ____ abre la boca 7.____ cierra los ojos y enseña los dientes
4.____cierra los ojos 8. ____ levanta la pierna izquierda
Quiz activity No. 2: Completa estas frases con las partes del cuerpo.
Quiz activity No. 3: Completa estas frases con las partes del cuerpo.
Bank Words: huesos, mano, pestañas, oídos, dedo, cara, boca, pie, pelo
Claro, es de buena calidad, pero cuesta un ojo de la ________ . (Cuesta muchísimo.)
La golpearon en plena calle y nadie movió un ___________ para ayudarla.. (No hicieron nada para ayudarla.)
Tan solo con pensar en una tortilla de patatas se me hace la __________ agua. (La estoy deseando mucho.)
¡Ay! No he pegado _______ en toda la noche. (No he podido dormir.)
Es muy importante seguir al _________ de la letra las instrucciones del médico. (Seguirlas literalmente, estrictamente.)
Me he estado quemando las _______ toda la semana. (He estado estudiando mucho.)
Soy todo __________ . (Habla, te escucho con mucha atención.)
No te creo. Me estás tomando el _________ , ¿no? (Te estás burlando de mí. Me estás engañando.)
¿Te las arreglas solo o quieres que te eche una ___________________ ? (¿Quieres que te ayude?)
Había olvidado llevar el chubasquero y llegué calado hasta los ______________ . (Llegué muy mojado.)
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