Inklingo

How to Say "sexual" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sexual

/sek-swal//sekˈswal/

AdjectiveB1General
Use this form when referring to a singular concept related to sex or gender, as it modifies a singular noun.
A simplistic storybook illustration showing two figures side-by-side, one styled with short hair and blue clothing, and the other styled with long hair and pink clothing, representing gender differences.

Examples

La educación sexual es obligatoria en muchas escuelas.

Sexual education is mandatory in many schools.

Su orientación sexual no es relevante para el trabajo.

His sexual orientation is not relevant to the job.

Estamos hablando de los derechos sexuales de la juventud.

We are talking about the sexual rights of young people.

Adjective Form

As an adjective, 'sexual' is one of those words that always stays the same whether the noun it describes is masculine (el deseo sexual) or feminine (la vida sexual). It only changes if the noun is plural: los deseos sexuales.

Confusing Adjective and Noun

Mistake: “Saying 'la discriminación de sexo' when meaning 'sexual discrimination.'”

Correction: You need the adjective form when modifying another noun: 'la discriminación sexual.' Use 'sexo' only when you mean the noun (e.g., 'el sexo opuesto').

sexuales

/sek-swah-les//seɣˈswales/

AdjectiveB1General
Use this plural form when referring to multiple concepts or things related to sex or gender, as it modifies a plural noun.
A simple, colorful illustration showing the traditional astronomical symbols for Mars (the male symbol) and Venus (the female symbol) placed next to each other on a plain background.

Examples

Los derechos sexuales son importantes para todos.

Sexual rights are important for everyone.

Tienen que hablar de sus relaciones sexuales abiertamente.

They have to talk about their sexual relationships openly.

Evita los comentarios sexuales en el lugar de trabajo.

Avoid sexual comments in the workplace.

Adjective Agreement (Plural)

Since this word describes things, it must match the thing it describes in number. 'Sexuales' is the plural form of the adjective 'sexual,' so it is used with plural nouns (like 'derechos' or 'relaciones').

Adjective Placement

Like many Spanish adjectives that classify or define something, 'sexuales' almost always comes after the noun it is describing (e.g., 'acoso sexuales', not 'sexuales acoso').

Using the Singular Form

Mistake: “Hablamos de los derechos sexual.”

Correction: Hablamos de los derechos sexuales. (The noun 'derechos' is plural, so the adjective must also be plural.)

Singular vs. Plural Agreement

The most common mistake is forgetting that Spanish adjectives must agree in number with the nouns they describe. Always ensure 'sexual' matches a singular noun and 'sexuales' matches a plural noun.

Related Translations

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