How to Say "handmaiden" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “handmaiden” is “doncella” — B2 level.
English → SpanishB2
nounB2formal
historical or religious service
Examples
La doncella ayudó a la marquesa a ponerse el corsé.
The maid helped the marchioness put on her corset.
En el palacio, cada princesa tenía su propia doncella.
In the palace, every princess had her own handmaiden.
Always Feminine
This word is always feminine because it refers specifically to a female role. Even if the person identifying it is male, the word stays 'la doncella'.
Don't use it for modern help
Mistake: “Calling a modern cleaning lady a 'doncella'.”
Correction: Use 'empleada del hogar' or 'limpiadora'. 'Doncella' sounds like you're living in the 1800s.
Related Translations
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