sexo
/sek-so/
sex
One meaning of sexo refers to the biological category, such as male or female.
sexo(Noun)
sex
?biological category, e.g., male/female
gender
?often used interchangeably on forms, though technically distinct
📝 In Action
En el formulario, por favor, indique su sexo.
A2On the form, please indicate your sex.
La bióloga estudia las diferencias entre los sexos en esa especie.
B1The biologist studies the differences between the sexes in that species.
El sexo del bebé todavía no es conocido.
B1The sex of the baby is not yet known.
💡 Grammar Points
Always a Masculine Noun
Even though 'sexo' can refer to females, the word itself is always 'masculine' in Spanish grammar. This just means you always say 'el sexo' or 'un sexo', never 'la sexo'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Sexo' vs. 'Género'
Mistake: "Using 'sexo' and 'género' as if they are always the same."
Correction: While often used interchangeably on forms, 'sexo' usually refers to biological traits (male/female), while 'género' (gender) refers to social roles and identity. In everyday conversation, 'género' is more common for identity.
⭐ Usage Tips
On Official Documents
When filling out forms in Spanish, the box asking for 'Sexo' is asking you to choose between 'masculino' (male) or 'femenino' (female).
Sexo can also refer to sexual activity or intimacy.
📝 In Action
Es importante hablar de sexo seguro con tu pareja.
B1It's important to talk about safe sex with your partner.
La educación sobre el sexo es fundamental en las escuelas.
B1Sex education is fundamental in schools.
Tuvieron una conversación honesta sobre su vida de sexo.
B2They had an honest conversation about their sex life.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Sexo' as a Verb
Mistake: "Quiero sexo contigo."
Correction: This sounds very blunt and grammatically strange. The natural way to say 'I want to have sex with you' is 'Quiero tener sexo contigo.' Always use a verb like 'tener' (to have) or 'practicar' (to practice) with 'sexo'.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Go-To Phrase: 'Tener Sexo'
The most common and neutral way to say 'to have sex' in Spanish is 'tener sexo'. It's understood everywhere and works in most situations.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sexo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'sexo' to refer to a biological category?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'sexo' and 'género' in Spanish?
Generally, 'sexo' refers to biological characteristics (male, female). 'Género' refers to your personal identity and social roles (man, woman, non-binary, etc.). However, on many official forms, you'll see 'sexo' used where English might use 'gender', simply asking you to check 'masculino' or 'femenino'.
How do I say 'to have sex' in Spanish? Can I just use 'sexo' as a verb?
No, you can't use 'sexo' as a verb. The most common and natural way to say 'to have sex' is 'tener sexo'. You can also use 'practicar sexo' or, in more formal contexts, 'mantener relaciones sexuales'.