Inklingo
← Dictionary

calzón

kahl-SOHN/kalˈson/

“calzón” means “underpants” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

underpants, underwear

Also: panties, knickers
NounmA2
Mexico & Central AmericaSpain
A pair of simple, white cotton underpants laying flat on a soft blue background.

📝 In Action

Tengo que comprar calzones nuevos porque estos ya están viejos.

A2

I have to buy new underpants because these are already old.

En México, es tradición usar calzones rojos en Año Nuevo para el amor.

B1

In Mexico, it's a tradition to wear red underwear on New Year's for love.

Lava tu calzón a mano si la tela es delicada.

B2

Wash your underwear by hand if the fabric is delicate.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ropa interior (underwear)
  • bragas (panties (common in Spain))
  • calzoncillos (men's underpants)

Common Collocations

  • calzón de algodón – cotton underwear
  • quedarse en calzones – to be left in one's underwear (or to be left with nothing)

Idioms & Expressions

  • Ponerse bien los calzones – To take charge, show courage, or assert authority in a situation.
  • A calzón quitado – To speak openly and honestly without hiding anything.

breeches

Also: knickerbockers
NounmC1formal
A pair of traditional brown breeches that end just below the knee, shown as a single item of clothing.

📝 In Action

Los caballeros del siglo XVIII vestían calzones de seda.

C1

Eighteenth-century gentlemen wore silk breeches.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • calzas (hose/stockings)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "calzón" in Spanish:

breeches→knickerbockers→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: calzón

Question 1 of 3

If someone tells you to 'ponerte bien los calzones', what are they suggesting?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
calzoncillo(men's underpants) — Noun
calzoneta(swim trunks / gym shorts) — Noun
descalzonado(without underwear) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
corazóncanciónavión
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the word 'calza' (stocking or hose), which evolved from the Latin 'calceus' (shoe). Originally, it referred to a garment that covered the legs from the waist down.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: calzoneFrench: caleçon

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'calzón' plural or singular?

It can be both. Just like 'pants' in English, you can say 'el calzón' (one pair) or 'los calzones' (one or more pairs). In daily speech, the plural is much more common.

Is 'calzón' a rude word?

No, it is a neutral, everyday word for underwear in most of Latin America. However, because it refers to a private garment, use 'ropa interior' if you want to be extra polite or formal.

What is the difference between 'calzón' and 'calzoncillo'?

'Calzón' is a general term often used for both men and women (especially in Mexico). 'Calzoncillo' specifically refers to men's underwear (briefs or boxers).