culo
“culo” means “butt” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
butt, ass
Also: backside
📝 In Action
Me duele el culo de estar tanto tiempo sentado.
A2My butt hurts from sitting down for so long.
¡Mueve el culo o perderemos el tren!
B1Get your ass moving or we'll miss the train!
Ese chico tiene un culo muy firme.
B2That guy has a very firm butt.
bottom
Also: remnant
📝 In Action
Todavía queda un culo de vino en la botella.
B1There is still a tiny bit of wine left at the bottom of the bottle.
Estas gafas parecen culos de vaso.
B2These glasses look like the bottoms of soda bottles (meaning they are very thick).
Mira el culo del bote para ver la fecha de caducidad.
B1Look at the bottom of the jar to see the expiration date.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: culo
Question 1 of 3
Which word is a more polite alternative to 'culo' in a doctor's office?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'culus', which referred to the same body part. It has remained relatively unchanged for two thousand years.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'culo' a swear word?
It is considered 'informal' or 'slang.' While it's not as strong as some other insults, it is impolite to use in formal, professional, or respectful environments.
What can I say instead of 'culo' around children?
You can use 'pompas,' 'culete,' or 'colita' (the latter is common in some Latin American countries).
Why do people say 'culo de vaso' for glasses?
Because old or very strong prescription glasses have thick lenses that look like the thick glass found at the bottom of a bottle.