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espalda

nounBeginnerHigh frequency

What does “espalda” mean in English?

  1. back

Example sentences

  • Me duele la espalda.

    My back hurts.

  • Llevo la mochila a la espalda.

    I carry the backpack on my back.

  • Me duele la espalda baja.

    My lower back hurts.

How to use it

Espalda means 'back' (body part). Feminine: la espalda. Distinct from atrás ('backwards / at the back') which is locational, not anatomical.

Common mistake

Espalda is the body part (the back). For 'at the back' (location) use atrás or detrás. Don't confuse the two.

Topics

Related Beginner words

Reference

This entry’s teaching guidance follows A New Reference Grammar of Modern Spanish (Butt, Benjamin & Moreira Rodríguez, Routledge), 8.