Inklingo

How to Say "backside" in Spanish

English → Spanish

culo

koo-lohˈkulo

nounA2informal
Use 'culo' for a very informal, direct, and often crude reference to a person's buttocks, similar to 'butt' or 'ass' in English.
A simple illustration showing the back of a pair of blue denim jeans.

Examples

Me duele el culo de estar tanto tiempo sentado.

My butt hurts from sitting down for so long.

¡Mueve el culo o perderemos el tren!

Get your ass moving or we'll miss the train!

Ese chico tiene un culo muy firme.

That guy has a very firm butt.

Masculine Ending

This word follows the standard pattern of ending in 'o,' so it always takes masculine words like 'el' or 'un'.

Using 'the' instead of 'my'

In Spanish, when talking about body parts, we usually say 'the butt' (el culo) instead of 'my butt' (mi culo) if the action is happening to you.

Inappropriate Setting

Mistake: “Using 'culo' in a job interview or with a teacher.”

Correction: Use 'trasero' or 'posaderas' in formal situations to avoid sounding rude.

trasera

trah-SEH-rahtɾaˈseɾa

nounB1informal
Choose 'trasera' for an informal but less crude term for the rear or buttocks of a person, or the rear end of a vehicle or object.
A storybook illustration showing the back end of a blue train car, emphasizing the rear section, which includes the coupling mechanism.

Examples

La trasera del camión estaba dañada.

The rear end of the truck was damaged.

Aparcó el coche muy cerca de la trasera de la casa.

He parked the car very close to the back of the house.

Necesitas más espacio en la trasera para el equipaje.

You need more space in the back for the luggage.

Gender Match

Even though it refers to a location (the back), it is always treated as a feminine noun: la trasera.

Confusing Noun/Adjective

Mistake: “Using *trasera* as an adjective with a masculine noun: *el coche trasera*.”

Correction: Use the masculine form: *el coche trasero*. Remember, *trasera* is only a noun or a feminine adjective.

posterior

poh-steh-RYOHRpos.teˈɾjoɾ

nounB2polite, anatomical
Employ 'posterior' when you need a polite, anatomical, or technical term for the rear or buttocks, often used in medical or fitness contexts.
A simple storybook illustration of a round, fluffy orange cat sitting with its back to the viewer, showing its round rear.

Examples

Ese ejercicio fortalece los músculos del posterior.

That exercise strengthens the muscles of the rear.

Informal vs. Polite Usage

The most common mistake is using the highly informal 'culo' in situations where a more polite term like 'posterior' or even the less vulgar 'trasera' would be appropriate. Remember that 'culo' can be offensive, while 'posterior' is always safe and neutral, and 'trasera' sits in the middle for informal but not crude contexts.

Related Translations

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