Inklingo

How to Say "hip" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cadera

/kah-DEH-rah//kaˈðeɾa/

nounA2general
Use 'cadera' when referring to the joint in human anatomy where the leg meets the torso, or the general area of the waist and hips.
A colorful illustration of a person standing with their hands on their hips.

Examples

Ella mueve las caderas cuando baila salsa.

She moves her hips when she dances salsa.

Me duele la cadera derecha después de caminar tanto.

My right hip hurts after walking so much.

Este pantalón me queda muy apretado de cadera.

These pants are very tight around my hips.

Using 'The' Instead of 'My'

When talking about body parts like 'cadera', Spanish uses words like 'la' (the) instead of 'mi' (my) if it's already clear whose body it is. Example: 'Me duele la cadera' (The hip hurts me) instead of 'My hip hurts'.

Don't confuse with 'waist'

Mistake: “Using 'cadera' to describe the narrow part of the torso.”

Correction: Use 'cintura' for the waist and 'cadera' for the bony area where your legs meet your torso.

moderno

moh-DEHR-noh/moˈðeɾ.no/

adjectiveB1slang
Use 'moderno' (or 'moderna') when 'hip' is used as slang to describe something or someone as very trendy, fashionable, or up-to-date.
A person wearing a fashionable, brightly colored outfit featuring geometric shapes and clean lines, standing confidently.

Examples

Esa cafetería es muy moderna; tiene sillas de diseño y luces LED.

That coffee shop is very stylish; it has designer chairs and LED lights.

Mi hermana siempre viste de forma muy moderna.

My sister always dresses in a very fashionable way.

Anatomy vs. Trendiness

The most common mistake is using the anatomical term 'cadera' when you actually mean something is trendy or fashionable. Remember, 'moderno' is the slang term for 'hip' in the sense of being cool or stylish.

Related Translations

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