how to say ‘sex’ in spanish

You’re asking about a fascinating and complex area of Spanish vocabulary, as words related to sex can vary wildly in formality, vulgarity, and even meaning depending on the region. It’s crucial to be aware of these nuances to avoid misunderstandings or causing offense.

Here’s a breakdown of common terms related to “sex” and “to have sex” in Spanish, categorized by formality and with notes on regional usage:

1. Formal / Clinical / General Terms for “Sex”

These are safe for almost any context.

• Sexo:

  • Meaning: “Sex” as in gender (masculine/feminine), or “sex” as in the act of sexual intercourse.
  • Connotation: Neutral, formal, clinical.
  • Usage: “Sexo masculino/femenino” (male/female sex/gender), “educación sexual” (sex education), “relaciones sexuales” (sexual relations/intercourse).
  • Example: “Tener sexo” (to have sex) – this is a direct and neutral way to say it.

• Relaciones sexuales:

  • Meaning: Sexual relations, sexual intercourse.
  • Connotation: Formal, clinical, polite. This is the most common and appropriate term in formal settings.
  • Usage: Often used in medical, legal, or educational contexts.
  • Example: “Las relaciones sexuales deben ser consensuadas.” (Sexual relations must be consensual.)

• Coito:

  • Meaning: Coitus, sexual intercourse.
  • Connotation: Clinical, formal. Less common in everyday conversation than “relaciones sexuales.”
  • Example: “Se estudiaron los patrones de coito.” (Coital patterns were studied.)

• Cópula:

  • Meaning: Copulation (especially used in biology for animal mating).
  • Connotation: Very formal, biological, academic. Rarely used for human sexual activity in common speech.

2. Informal / Colloquial / Everyday Terms for “To Have Sex”

These are common in casual conversation, but their level of vulgarity and regional acceptance varies significantly.

• Hacer el amor:

  • Meaning: To make love.
  • Connotation: Romantic, intimate, less explicit than other terms.
  • Usage: Used in romantic or intimate contexts.
  • Example: “Queremos hacer el amor.” (We want to make love.)

• Echar un polvo (Spain, Argentina):

  • Meaning: To have a quickie, literally “to throw a dust.”
  • Connotation: Informal, slightly vulgar, specifically referring to sexual intercourse.
  • Regional Note: Primarily used in Spain and Argentina.
  • Example: “Vamos a echar un polvo.” (Let’s have a quickie.)

• Tirar / Tirarse a alguien (Spain):

  • Meaning: To “pull” someone, to “bang” or “screw” someone. Literally “to throw/pull.”
  • Connotation: Informal, quite vulgar.
  • Regional Note: Very common in Spain. Less common or has different meanings elsewhere.
  • Example: “Se tiró a su ex.” (He slept with his ex.)

3. Vulgar / Taboo Terms for “To Have Sex”

These are strong swear words and should be used with extreme caution, as they are offensive in most contexts. Their meaning can also shift dramatically by region.

• Chingar:

  • Meaning: This is a highly versatile and often vulgar word with many meanings, depending heavily on the country.
    • In Mexico (most common use): “To screw,” “to fuck” (as in to have sex). Also, “to annoy,” “to break,” “to steal,” “to drink,” “to mess up,” “to fail,” etc. It can be used for both positive (e.g., “¡Qué chingón!” – How awesome!) and negative contexts.
    • In other Latin American countries: Can also mean “to bother,” “to annoy,” or “to have sex,” but its usage is less widespread or has different nuances than in Mexico.
    • Connotation: Very informal, often vulgar, highly contextual.
  • Example (sexual): “Chingaron toda la noche.” (They fucked all night.) – Very vulgar and direct.
  • Example (non-sexual, Mexico): “No me chingues.” (Don’t bother/mess with me.) “Se chingo el coche.” (The car broke down.)

• Joder:

  • Meaning: “To fuck,” “to screw.”
  • Connotation: Very strong, vulgar, and widely used as an expletive.
  • Regional Note: Most common and versatile as a swear word in Spain, where it’s used for “fuck!” as an interjection, “to bother,” “to ruin,” and explicitly “to have sex.” While understood, it’s less common for the explicit sexual act in some parts of Latin America compared to Spain.
  • Example (sexual): “Anoche Juan y su novia jodieron.” (Last night Juan and his girlfriend fucked.) – Extremely vulgar.
  • Example (non-sexual, common in Spain): “¡Joder, qué frío!” (Fuck, it’s cold!) “Me estás jodiendo.” (You’re screwing with me/annoying me.)

• Follar (Spain):

  • Meaning: “To fuck,” “to shag.”
  • Connotation: Vulgar, explicit.
  • Regional Note: Almost exclusively used in Spain for the act of sexual intercourse. It’s generally not understood or used with this meaning in most of Latin America, where its literal meaning (to blow with bellows) might be the only known one.
  • Example: “Quiero follar contigo.” (I want to fuck you.) – Very vulgar and direct in Spain.

• Coger:

  • Meaning: This is arguably the most dangerous word for non-native speakers due to its vast regional differences!
    • In Spain: “To grab,” “to take,” “to catch” (a bus, a cold). This is its neutral, everyday meaning.
    • In much of Latin America (especially Mexico, Central America, parts of South America like Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay): “To have sexual intercourse,” “to fuck.” It is highly vulgar.
    • Connotation: Neutral in Spain, highly vulgar/taboo in much of Latin America.
  • Example (Spain, neutral): “Voy a coger el autobús.” (I’m going to catch the bus.)
  • Example (Latin America, vulgar): “Él cogió a la chica.” (He fucked the girl.) – This would be highly offensive in many Latin American countries.
  • Recommendation: Unless you are in Spain and confident in its usage, avoid using “coger” to mean “to take” or “to grab” in Latin America. Use “tomar” or “agarrar” instead to be safe.

• Culear (Chile, Colombia, Argentina):

  • Meaning: “To butt-fuck” or simply “to fuck.” Derived from “culo” (ass).
  • Connotation: Vulgar.
  • Regional Note: Common in countries like Chile, Colombia, and Argentina.

Summary Table (Highly Generalized – Regional Nuances are CRITICAL)

Always err on the side of caution! If you are unsure, stick to “tener sexo” or “hacer el amor” for safety and politeness. Context, tone, and your relationship with the person you are speaking to are paramount when using any of the more informal or vulgar terms.