Inklingo

How to Say "underpants" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “underpants” is “calzón” — use 'calzón' for general underpants, suitable for any gender, or when you need a broad term for underwear.

English → Spanish

calzón

nounA2general
Use 'calzón' for general underpants, suitable for any gender, or when you need a broad term for underwear.

Examples

Necesito comprar calzones nuevos porque estos ya están viejos.

I have to buy new underpants because these are already old.

calzoncillo

kal-son-SEE-yokalsonˈsijo

nounA2general
Use 'calzoncillo' specifically for men's underpants, like briefs or boxers.
A pair of men's blue cotton boxer shorts with a simple white elastic waistband.

Examples

Necesito comprar un calzoncillo nuevo porque este ya está viejo.

I need to buy a new pair of underpants because this one is already old.

Él prefiere el calzoncillo de algodón porque es más cómodo.

He prefers cotton underwear because it is more comfortable.

Se me olvidó empacar más de un calzoncillo en la maleta.

I forgot to pack more than one pair of underpants in the suitcase.

The Plural Habit

Just like the word 'pants' or 'glasses' in English, Spanish speakers almost always use the plural form 'calzoncillos' even when talking about a single item.

Always Masculine

This word is always masculine. Even if you use the plural, you must use masculine markers like 'los' or 'unos'.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “Me puse la calzoncillo.”

Correction: Me puse el calzoncillo. (Remember that words ending in -o are almost always masculine).

Calzón vs. Calzoncillo

The most common mistake is using 'calzoncillo' when 'calzón' would be more appropriate, as 'calzoncillo' is strictly for men's underwear. 'Calzón' is the more versatile and general term.

Related Translations

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