You’re in a crowded market in Mexico City or maybe a gym in Madrid, and you realize you have no idea how to talk about your backside without sounding like a toddler or, worse, accidentally insulting someone's mother. It happens. Language is messy. Most people think there is a one-size-fits-all translation for every English word, but Spanish doesn't play by those rules. If you’ve ever wondered how do you say butt in Spanish, you’ve probably realized that "pompas" might get a laugh while "culo" might get you slapped, depending on who is listening.
Context is everything. Seriously.
Spanish is spoken across more than twenty countries, and each one has its own specific slang, anatomical preferences, and levels of politeness. You wouldn't use the same word in a doctor’s office that you’d use with your best friend at the beach. Understanding these nuances isn't just about vocabulary; it’s about cultural intelligence. We are going to break down the anatomical, the polite, the hilarious, and the "maybe don't say this to your boss" terms that actually get used in the real world.
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The Polite and Medical Terms (Playing it Safe)
Let’s start with the basics. If you are at a doctor's appointment because you have a literal pain in the rear, you want the medical term. That word is trasero. It translates roughly to "rear" or "backside." It is safe. It is clinical. It is what you’ll hear on the news if they are talking about a bicycle accident.
Another safe bet is glúteos. Yes, it’s just the Spanish version of "glutes." If you are at a CrossFit box in Medellín, this is the word you’ll see on the whiteboard for leg day. It’s professional, accurate, and completely devoid of any sexual or slangy undertones. It’s the "buttoned-up" version of the word.
Then there’s las nalgas. This is a tricky one. In some regions, like Mexico, it’s just a standard word for buttocks. In others, it can feel a bit more descriptive or even slightly vulgar depending on the tone. Generally, though, if you are talking about the physical body parts, nalgas is the go-to. It refers specifically to the fleshy parts. You’ll often hear mothers telling their kids "¡Te voy a dar en las nalgas!" which basically means "I’m going to spank you!"
It’s visceral. It’s common. It’s very... physical.
Navigating the Slang: From Cute to Crude
Now we get into the weeds. If you want to know how do you say butt in Spanish in a way that sounds natural, you have to look at the diminutive endings. Spanish speakers love adding -ito or -ita to things to make them smaller or cuter.
- Pompas: This is arguably the most common "cute" way to say it. Think of it like "tushy" or "bottom." It’s used with children or in polite company when you’re trying to be delicate. In Mexico, you’ll hear it constantly.
- Pompis: Even cuter than pompas. It’s basically "bum."
- Cola: This literally means "tail." In most of Latin America, particularly in the Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay) and Colombia, cola is the standard, non-offensive way to say butt. "Me duele la cola" means my butt hurts. However—and this is a big however—in Spain, cola refers to a line of people waiting or, more vulgarly, male anatomy. Use with caution depending on your latitude.
Then there is the big one: Culo.
Honestly, culo is the most direct translation of "ass." In Spain, it’s used much more casually than in Latin America. In Madrid, you might hear someone say "¡Qué culo!" as a compliment (in certain contexts) or use it in common expressions like "estoy de culo," meaning things are going badly. In many parts of Latin America, however, culo remains quite vulgar. It’s the word you use when you’re angry, being provocative, or talking very informally with close friends. If you say it in front of a traditional abuela, expect a stern look.
Regional Variations: Why Geography Matters
If you're in Argentina, you might hear derrière (borrowed from French) in more "high-society" or fashion-forward circles, but usually, people stick to cola.
In the Caribbean—places like Puerto Rico, Cuba, or the Dominican Republic—the language gets even more colorful. You might hear fondillo. This is a bit old-school and can range from being slightly funny to a bit crude. It specifically refers to the "seat" of one's pants or the buttocks themselves. It’s the kind of word a character in a telenovela might use while gossiping.
In Chile, they have popín. It’s a very "Chilean" word—quirky and specific. It’s relatively polite, certainly more so than culo, and often used in a humorous way.
Why do these differences exist?
Language is a living thing. The Spanish brought to the Americas in the 15th and 16th centuries evolved in isolation from the Spanish in the Iberian Peninsula. Indigenous languages like Nahuatl in Mexico or Quechua in the Andes influenced local dialects. Over time, words that were perfectly fine in Seville became taboo in Lima, and vice versa.
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Take the word asiento. Literally, it means "seat." In some very formal or poetic contexts, you might hear it used to refer to someone's backside, but it’s pretty rare nowadays. It’s like calling a butt a "sitter." It’s archaic but technically correct.
Common Expressions and Idioms
You haven't really mastered how do you say butt in Spanish until you can use it in an idiom. Spanish is a language built on metaphors.
- Caer de culo: Literally "to fall on your ass." Used when someone is extremely surprised. "When I saw the price, I fell on my ass."
- Estar hasta el culo: To be "up to your ass" in something, usually work or trouble. It’s the Spanish equivalent of "I’m swamped."
- Mover el esqueleto: While it literally means "move the skeleton," it’s the common way to say "shake your butt" or dance.
- Lamer el culo: To be a "butt-licker" or a suck-up. Universal, right?
The word trasero also pops up in descriptions. If someone is "culón" or "culona," they are well-endowed in the back. Whether that’s a compliment or an insult depends entirely on the tone of voice and the relationship between the people speaking. In many Latin cultures, being culona is seen as a very positive physical trait, often celebrated in music and pop culture.
How to Choose the Right Word
If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't worry. Most Spanish speakers are incredibly forgiving of learners. However, if you want to be precise, follow this rule of thumb:
If you are talking to a child, use pompas.
If you are at the gym, use glúteos.
If you are with friends and want to be funny, use nalgas.
If you are angry or being edgy, use culo.
If you are in Colombia or Argentina, use cola.
The most interesting thing about Spanish is how it prioritizes the "vibe" of the conversation over the literal dictionary definition. You can use the "correct" word and still be wrong if the social setting doesn't match. For instance, using trasero during a heated argument sounds bizarrely formal, like calling someone a "scoundrel" instead of a "jerk."
Actionable Next Steps for Learners
To really get comfortable with these terms, you need to hear them in context. Artificial intelligence and textbooks often sanitize language, leaving you unprepared for real-world Spanish.
- Watch Regional Media: Put on a show from the specific country you're interested in. Notice how characters in La Casa de Papel (Spain) talk versus those in Club de Cuervos (Mexico). The difference in how they use the word culo is striking.
- Listen to Reggaeton: If you want to hear every possible variation of words for "butt," listen to urban Latin music. From nalgas to chapa (Dominican slang), the lyrics are a masterclass in informal anatomy.
- Practice with a Language Partner: Ask a native speaker, "How would you say this in your hometown?" Most people find the topic hilarious and will be happy to give you the local "flavor."
- Record Yourself: Say the words out loud. The difference between the soft "u" in culo and the hard "a" in nalgas matters for your accent.
Understanding how do you say butt in Spanish is a gateway to understanding the broader culture. It’s about more than just a body part; it’s about knowing when to be polite, when to be funny, and when to be blunt. Start with trasero if you’re nervous, move to pompas for a laugh, and save culo for when you’re truly fluent enough to handle the consequences.