prostituta
“prostituta” means “prostitute” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
prostitute
Also: sex worker
📝 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.
sellout
Also: traitor
📝 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).
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: prostituta
Question 1 of 2
Which word is a more neutral or professional alternative to 'prostituta'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *prostitūta*, which is the feminine form of the past participle of the verb *prostituĕre*. This Latin verb literally meant 'to place before' or 'to expose publicly,' especially in the sense of offering for sale.
First recorded: Medieval Latin/Early Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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.