Parts of the Body in Spanish for Beginners

Learning the vocabulary for the different parts of the body is an important part of being able to communicate in Spanish, whether you’re talking about your own body, describing someone else’s appearance, or discussing medical issues.

In this article, I will go over the basic vocabulary for the different parts of the body in Spanish. You will also learn some important concepts that you’ll need to know in order to use this vocabulary correctly. And finally, there are online exercises that I designed so you can practise the parts of the body in Spanish. Let’s start!

Head and Face Vocabulary

When learning Spanish, it’s important to know the names of the different parts of the head and face. Here are some of the most common terms that you’ll encounter:

In Spanish, the head is known as “la cabeza.” It’s a simple term that’s easy to remember.

When it comes to facial features, there are several terms you should know. The most important ones include:

  • la cara” (the face)
  • los ojos” (the eyes)
  • las cejas” (the eyebrows)
  • las pestañas” (the eyelashes)
  • los párpados” (the eyelids)
  • la mejilla” (the cheek)
  • la boca” (the mouth)
  • los labios” (the lips)
  • los dientes” (the teeth)
  • la nariz” (the nose)
  • el mentón” / “la barbilla” (the chin)

The terms for hair and forehead are “el pelo” / “el cabello” and “la frente,” respectively. These terms are useful when describing someone’s appearance or when talking about hairstyles.

Practise the parts of the face in Spanish

Upper Body Spanish Words

When learning about body parts in Spanish, it’s important to start with the upper body. Let’s have a look at some words:

  • El cuello – the neck
  • El pecho – the chest
  • La espalda – the back
  • El hombro – the shoulder
  • El brazo – the arm
  • El codo – the elbow
  • La muñeca – the wrist
  • La mano – the hand
  • Los dedos – the fingers

To talk about specific fingers, you can use the following terms:

  • El dedo pulgar – the thumb
  • El dedo índice – the index finger
  • El dedo medio – the middle finger
  • El dedo anular – the ring finger
  • El dedo meñique – the pinky finger

To talk about specific areas of the chest and back, you can use the following terms:

  • La columna vertebral -the spinal column
  • Los omóplatos – the shoulder blades

Lower Body in Spanish

Below I will teach you words for the lower body in Spanish. Here are some of the most common words related to the lower leg, from the knee to the foot:

EnglishSpanish
HipLa cadera
LegLa pierna
ThighEl muslo
CalfLa pantorrilla
ShinLa espinilla
KneeLa rodilla
AnkleEl tobillo
FootEl pie
ToeEl dedo del pie

Practise the Parts of the Body in Spanish here

Parts of the Body in Spanish Quiz

How many words can you remember? If you say the word correctly, click on the green check icon!

Classify theParts of the Body in Spanish

Common Expressions about the body

When learning Spanish vocabulary for body parts, it’s important to know some common expressions and verbs that are used to describe them. Here are some of the most common ones:

Expressions

  • ¿Cómo te sientes? (How do you feel?)
  • Tengo dolor de cabeza. (I have a headache.)
  • Me duele el estómago. (My stomach hurts.)
  • Tengo dolor de espalda. (I have back pain.)
  • Estoy resfriado. (I have a cold.)
  • Tengo fiebre. (I have a fever.)

Verbs

  • Doler: To hurt
  • Estirar: To stretch
  • Lastimar: To hurt
  • Rascar: To scratch
  • Quebrar / Romper: To break
  • Sonarse: Blow your nose
  • Tocar: To touch
  • Tener: To have

Using these expressions and verbs can help you communicate more effectively when talking about parts of the body in Spanish. For example, you might say “Me duele la cabeza” (My head hurts) or “Tengo dolor de dientes” (I have toothache).

By incorporating these activities and contextual vocabulary into your language learning, you can become more confident and knowledgeable in using parts of the body vocabulary in Spanish.

Practise Describing Pain in Spanish with this exercise

Anatomical Terms and the Skeleton in Spanish

When learning Spanish vocabulary for parts of the body, it’s important to understand the anatomical terms. The skeleton, or “el esqueleto,” is the framework of “huesos” (bones) that provides support and protection for the body. Here are some important terms to know when talking about the skeleton in Spanish:

  • Huesos: Bones
  • Cráneo: Skull
  • Mandíbula: Jaw
  • Columna vertebral: Spine
  • Costillas: Ribs
  • Esternón: Sternum
  • Clavícula: Collarbone
  • Hombro: Shoulder
  • Brazo: Arm
  • Codo: Elbow
  • Antebrazo: Forearm
  • Muñeca: Wrist
  • Mano: Hand
  • Cadera: Hip
  • Muslo: Thigh
  • Rodilla: Knee
  • Pierna: Leg
  • Tobillo: Ankle
  • Pie: Foot

Spanish Vocabulary Exercise

Remember, learning a new language takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and stay motivated! By building your vocabulary, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively in Spanish and better understand medical terminology.


Hi there! I’m Flor, and I’m thrilled to be able to help you with your Spanish! I’m a Spanish online teacher and course creator from the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Whether you’re just starting your language learning journey or looking to further enhance your skills, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s embark on this exciting learning adventure together!