Inklingo

How to Say "lesbian" in Spanish

English → Spanish

homosexual

oh-moh-sek-soo-AHLomo.sekˈswal

adjectiveB2general
Use this adjective when referring to a woman's sexual orientation towards other women.
Two identical, stylized figures holding hands under a large red heart, symbolizing same-sex orientation.

Examples

La pareja homosexual celebró su aniversario.

The homosexual couple celebrated their anniversary.

Existe mucha literatura homosexual moderna.

There is a lot of modern homosexual literature.

Adjective Form

This adjective is special because it does not change its ending based on gender. It is used for both masculine ('un hombre homosexual') and feminine ('una mujer homosexual') nouns. It only changes form when plural: 'homosexuales'.

lesbiano

les-BYAH-nohlesˈbjano

adjectiveC1historical/geographical
This adjective is used only when referring to someone or something historically or geographically connected to the Greek island of Lesbos, not for sexual orientation.
A man in traditional ancient Greek clothing standing on the sun-drenched coast of the island of Lesbos.

Examples

El poeta era un ciudadano lesbiano que vivía en el siglo VI a.C.

The poet was a man from Lesbos who lived in the 6th century BC.

El dialecto lesbiano era una variante del griego antiguo.

The Lesbian dialect was a variant of ancient Greek.

Visitamos un viñedo lesbiano durante nuestras vacaciones en Grecia.

We visited a vineyard on Lesbos during our vacation in Greece.

Describing Origin

This word is a 'naming word for a place' (demonym). In Spanish, these words are not capitalized like they are in English.

Gender Matching

Use 'lesbiano' only when describing a man or a 'masculine' object. If describing a woman or a 'feminine' object, use 'lesbiana'.

Confusing Orientation with Geography

Mistake: “Using 'lesbiano' to mean a gay man.”

Correction: Say 'gay' or 'homosexual'. 'Lesbiano' only means someone from the island of Lesbos.

Confusing 'lesbiano' with orientation

The most common mistake is using 'lesbiano' to describe sexual orientation. Remember, 'lesbiano' in Spanish primarily refers to origins from the island of Lesbos. For sexual orientation, use 'homosexual' when referring to women.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.