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How to Say "semen" in Spanish

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esperma

es-PER-mah/esˈpeɾma/

nounB1general
Use 'esperma' when referring to the fluid that contains reproductive cells, often in a biological or medical context, such as in sperm banks or discussions of fertility.
A microscopic illustration of a single human sperm cell, clearly showing the large head and the long, whip-like tail, against a simplified blue background.

Examples

El banco de esperma guarda muestras congeladas.

The sperm bank stores frozen samples.

El esperma es una célula muy pequeña y móvil.

Sperm is a very small, mobile cell.

Masculine Noun Ending in -a

Even though 'esperma' ends in -a, it is always a masculine noun. Make sure to use 'el' and not 'la': 'El esperma'.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La esperma es blanca.”

Correction: El esperma es blanco. (Remember, it's always masculine: el esperma.)

semen

/SEH-men//ˈsemen/

nounB1technical
Use 'semen' as the direct biological term for the fluid itself, particularly in scientific, medical, or formal discussions about reproduction.
A microscopic view of several small, white, tadpole-shaped cells swimming through a soft blue fluid.

Examples

El semen es necesario para la reproducción.

Semen is necessary for reproduction.

El doctor analizó la muestra de semen.

The doctor analyzed the semen sample.

Gender and Number

This is a masculine noun. Even though it ends in '-en', you always use masculine articles like 'el' or 'un'.

Don't confuse with seeds

Mistake: “Using 'semen' when talking about planting a garden.”

Correction: Use 'semilla' for plant seeds. 'Semen' is strictly a biological term for humans and animals.

Choosing Between 'Esperma' and 'Semen'

Learners often confuse 'esperma' and 'semen'. While 'semen' is the direct biological term, 'esperma' is more commonly used in general contexts and can also refer specifically to sperm cells or sperm banks. Use 'esperma' for broader contexts and 'semen' for precise biological definitions.

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