How to Say "lap" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “lap” is “regazo” — use 'regazo' when referring to the area between a seated person's waist and knees.
regazo
reh-GAH-sohreˈgaso
Examples
El abuelo sentó a su nieto en el regazo.
The grandfather sat his grandson on his lap.
Tengo el ordenador portátil sobre el regazo.
I have the laptop on my lap.
El gato siempre duerme en mi regazo mientras leo.
The cat always sleeps on my lap while I read.
Always Singular
Even though you have two legs, the 'lap' area they create when you sit is considered one single space, so 'regazo' is almost always used in the singular.
Gendered Noun
This word is masculine, so it always goes with 'el' (the) or 'un' (a).
Regazo vs. Pierna
Mistake: “Me senté en su pierna.”
Correction: Me senté en su regazo.
rodillas
roh-DEE-yasroˈði.ʝas
Examples
Me golpeé las rodillas jugando al fútbol.
I hit my knees playing soccer.
El bebé se sentó en las rodillas de su madre.
The baby sat on his mother's lap.
Se puso de rodillas para pedir perdón.
He got down on his knees to ask for forgiveness.
Plural Form Only
Although the singular is 'rodilla' (knee), the plural 'rodillas' is used very frequently, especially when talking about both knees.
Using Articles with Body Parts
In Spanish, you often use 'el,' 'la,' 'los,' or 'las' (the definite articles) instead of 'mi' or 'tu' (possessive words) when talking about body parts, like 'Me duelen las rodillas' (My knees hurt).
Confusing Gender
Mistake: “El rodillas”
Correction: Las rodillas. Remember that 'rodilla' is a feminine noun, so it always uses 'la' or 'las'.
etapa
eh-TAH-paheˈtapa
Examples
El ciclista ganó la etapa de montaña hoy por solo diez segundos.
The cyclist won the mountain stage today by only ten seconds.
La segunda etapa del viaje nos lleva a través del desierto.
The second leg of the trip takes us across the desert.
Sports Vocabulary
In professional cycling (like the Tour de France), 'etapa' is the standard word for one day's segment of the race.
vuelta
bwel-taˈbwelta
Examples
El coche dio una vuelta completa y se detuvo.
The car made a full turn and stopped.
El corredor va por su última vuelta.
The runner is on his last lap.
Confusing seated area vs. knees
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