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espaldas

/es-PAL-das/

back

A close-up view of a person's bare back, emphasizing the shoulders and spine area.

Espaldas refers to the body part known as the back.

espaldas(Noun)

fA1

back

?

the body part (used in the plural, even when referring to one person's back)

Also:

rear

?

the back side of something inanimate

📝 In Action

Me duele la parte baja de las espaldas después de cargar las cajas.

A1

The lower part of my back hurts after carrying the boxes.

¿Puedes ponerme crema solar en las espaldas, por favor?

A2

Can you put sunscreen on my back, please?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dorso (back/dorsal side)

Antonyms

  • pecho (chest)

Common Collocations

  • dolor de espaldas – back pain
  • dormir de espaldas – to sleep on one's back

Idioms & Expressions

  • cubrir las espaldas a alguien – to have someone's back; to protect someone

💡 Grammar Points

Plural for Body Parts

Even when talking about a single person, Spanish often uses the plural 'las espaldas' when referring to the back area, though the singular 'la espalda' is also correct and common.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'el' instead of 'la'

Mistake: "El espaldas."

Correction: Las espaldas (or La espalda). Remember, this word is feminine.

A small, hesitant young sapling being held upright by a sturdy, large wooden stake tied securely to it.

When used figuratively, espaldas means 'backing' or support.

espaldas(Noun)

fB1

backing

?

support or influence

Also:

protection

?

security or defense

📝 In Action

Con la espaldas del banco, el proyecto será un éxito.

B1

With the bank's backing, the project will be a success.

Tiene muchas espaldas políticas, por eso nadie lo critica.

C1

He has a lot of political backing (or influence), that's why no one criticizes him.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tener muchas espaldas – to have powerful backing/connections

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

In this sense, 'espaldas' represents figurative strength or support, like a powerful person standing behind you.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context Clue

If you hear 'espaldas' used with words related to business or power, it almost certainly means 'backing' or 'support,' not the physical body part.

A figure standing with their back turned, while another figure behind them is secretly exchanging an object, illustrating an action happening without the first person's knowledge.

The phrase a espaldas de means doing something 'behind one's back,' often implying secrecy or betrayal.

espaldas(Noun)

fB2

behind one's back

?

used in the phrase 'a espaldas de'

Also:

rejection

?

used in the phrase 'dar la espalda'

📝 In Action

No me gusta que hablen de mí a mis espaldas.

B2

I don't like them talking about me behind my back.

Ella le dio la espalda a su mejor amigo cuando más la necesitaba.

B2

She turned her back on her best friend when he needed her most.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ocultamente (secretly)
  • traición (betrayal)

Idioms & Expressions

  • a espaldas de alguien – doing something secretly or without someone's knowledge
  • dar la espalda a algo/alguien – to abandon, reject, or ignore something/someone

💡 Grammar Points

Fixed Phrases

In this usage, 'espaldas' is almost always part of the fixed phrases 'a espaldas de' or 'dar la espalda a,' which function like single verbs or adverbs.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'a' and 'de'

Mistake: "Habló en espaldas de su jefe."

Correction: Habló a espaldas de su jefe. The fixed phrase uses the preposition 'a'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: espaldas

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'espaldas' in a figurative sense, meaning 'support'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

espalda(back (singular)) - noun
espaldarazo(pat on the back; strong support) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'espaldas' plural when I'm only talking about one person's back?

In Spanish, it is very common to use the plural form 'las espaldas' when referring to the general area of the back. Think of it as referring to the 'region' or 'surface' of the back, though the singular 'la espalda' is also perfectly correct.

What is the difference between 'la espalda' and 'las espaldas'?

'La espalda' is the singular form and is a direct reference to the body part. 'Las espaldas' is the plural, but is often used interchangeably with the singular, especially in phrases like 'dolor de espaldas' (back pain), or when used figuratively (like 'backing').