prostituta
/proh-stee-TOO-tah/
prostitute
Visualizing 'prostituta' as 'prostitute': A depiction of payment being exchanged for a service.
prostituta(noun)
prostitute
?woman who engages in sexual activity for payment
sex worker
?euphemistic or formal term for the profession
📝 In Action
La organización ayuda a las prostitutas a encontrar otras oportunidades de trabajo.
C1The organization helps prostitutes find other work opportunities.
El barrio antiguo era conocido por sus bares y sus prostitutas.
B2The old neighborhood was known for its bars and its prostitutes.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun
Since this word refers exclusively to a female person, it always uses feminine articles and adjectives (la prostituta, una prostituta famosa).
⭐ Usage Tips
Register Awareness
While accurate, this word can sometimes sound stark or judgmental. In sensitive conversations, many prefer the neutral term 'trabajadora sexual' (sex worker).
Visualizing 'prostituta' as 'sellout': A character abandoning a symbol of integrity for financial gain.
prostituta(noun)
sellout
?a person or entity betraying principles
traitor
?figurative sense of betraying ideals
📝 In Action
El periodista calificó al líder como una prostituta del poder.
C2The journalist labeled the leader as a sellout to power.
Para muchos, la nueva ley es una prostituta de los intereses corporativos.
C2For many, the new law is a betrayal of corporate interests (literally: a prostitute of corporate interests).
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning is metaphorical and highly derogatory. It implies that a person or institution has 'sold' their integrity or principles for money or influence.
⭐ Usage Tips
Strong Connotation
Use this meaning only when you intend a very harsh criticism, as it is considered a severe insult, even when applied to an abstract concept.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: prostituta
Question 1 of 2
Which word is a more neutral or professional alternative to 'prostituta'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'prostituta' considered offensive?
The word itself is the standard, dictionary definition for the profession, but due to the negative social context associated with the job, many people find it harsh or derogatory. In formal or respectful conversation, 'trabajadora sexual' (sex worker) is often preferred.
¿Cómo se dice 'male prostitute'?
The masculine form is 'prostituto.' However, the term 'trabajador sexual' (male sex worker) is also very common and often preferred.