How to Say "virgin" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “virgin” is “virgen” — use 'virgen' when referring to someone who has never had sexual intercourse, or more broadly, someone inexperienced in a particular activity..
English → Spanish
virgen
/BEE-rhen//'biɾxen/
nounB1general
Use 'virgen' when referring to someone who has never had sexual intercourse, or more broadly, someone inexperienced in a particular activity.
Examples
Las vestales romanas eran vírgenes dedicadas al templo.
The Roman Vestals were virgins dedicated to the temple.
Se dice que la diosa era una virgen.
It is said that the goddess was a virgin.
Gender Usage
While the word 'virgen' itself doesn't change form, the article and context show the gender: 'la virgen' (female) and 'el virgen' (male, though less common as a noun).
doncella
/don-SAY-yah//donˈθeʝa/
nounC1literary
Use 'doncella' in a literary or historical context to refer to a young, pure maiden, often implying a sense of innocence and nobility.
Examples
El caballero juró proteger a la joven doncella.
The knight swore to protect the young maiden.
Doncella vs. Virgen
Learners often use 'doncella' in modern contexts when 'virgen' is more appropriate. Remember that 'doncella' is largely archaic or literary, while 'virgen' is the everyday term for someone who is a virgin or inexperienced.
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