puta
“puta” means “prostitute” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
prostitute
Also: whore
📝 In Action
Ella trabaja como prostituta, no uses esa palabra ofensiva con ella.
B1She works as a prostitute; don't use that offensive word with her.
Ese es un insulto muy fuerte en español.
A2That is a very strong insult in Spanish.
No deberías llamar así a nadie.
A1You shouldn't call anyone that.
fucking
Also: damn, great
📝 In Action
¡Qué puta suerte tienes!
B1What fucking luck you have!
No encuentro las putas llaves.
B2I can't find the fucking keys.
Es el puto amo.
C1He's the fucking boss (the best).
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: puta
Question 1 of 3
If someone says 'No tengo ni puta idea,' what are they saying?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Vulgar Latin 'putta,' derived from 'putus' (boy/child). It originally meant 'girl' but underwent a 'pejorative shift,' where a word's meaning becomes more negative over time until it became a slur.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'puta' as bad as the 'F-word' in English?
Contextually, yes. As an intensifier, it functions like 'fucking.' As a noun, it is much more offensive, similar to 'whore' or 'cunt' in some dialects.
Can I say '¡Puta!' when I stub my toe?
Yes, Spanish speakers often use it as a standalone exclamation of pain or frustration, but keep in mind who is listening!
Does 'puto' mean the same thing?
No. While 'puto' can be a male intensifier (el puto coche), it is also used as a very hateful homophobic slur. Be even more careful with 'puto'.