How to Say Bitch in Spanish
How do you say bitch in Spanish? Say 'Perra' (PEH-rrah). Learn the literal meaning, the strong insult 'puta,' regional slang and politeness notes with pronunciation.
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Quick answer
To say bitch in Spanish, the closest word is 'Perra' (PEH-rrah), which literally means 'female dog' and is used as an insult to a woman, just like in English. A much stronger, vulgar insult is 'puta' (POO-tah). Both are offensive — use with caution. Note 'perra' alone often just means a literal female dog.
Perra
/PEH-rrah/ — Spanish
How to Say Bitch in Spanish
“Bitch” is a slur in English, and its Spanish equivalents are likewise offensive — so this page is informational, with clear register and politeness notes. The closest direct translation is Perra, but Spanish has several words of varying strength, and most have an innocent literal meaning too. Knowing the difference keeps you from accidentally insulting someone (or misreading an insult).
The Direct Word: Perra
Perra — pronounced PEH-rrah
Perra is the feminine of perro (dog), so it literally means “female dog.” Aimed at a woman, it works as an insult parallel to English “bitch.” On its own, in any animal or pet context, it’s completely neutral: mi perra simply means “my (female) dog.”
The insulting force comes entirely from context and tone — exactly like English.
Copy the Phrase
The Spanish word for bitch is Perra (PEH-rrah).
Words by Strength & Meaning
| Spanish | Pronunciation | Literal Meaning | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perra | PEH-rrah | Female dog | Insult — moderate; neutral for animals |
| Puta | POO-tah | Whore / prostitute | Very vulgar, very strong |
| Zorra | SOH-rrah | Female fox | Insult implying promiscuity |
| Cabrona | kah-BROH-nah | (fem. of cabrón) | Harsh — “bitch / SOB” |
| Bruja | BROO-hah | Witch | Mild insult — “witch / hag” |
Politeness & Register Notes
These are all words to handle carefully:
- Puta is the most profane. It’s an extreme insult and also appears in countless vulgar expressions (it functions a bit like the English f-word in intensity). Avoid in any polite setting.
- Perra and zorra are offensive slurs toward women but somewhat less explosive than puta.
- Cabrona ranges from a harsh insult to, among very close friends, almost-affectionate teasing — heavily tone-dependent.
- All of these are inappropriate in professional, formal, or unfamiliar company.
If you simply want to express frustration without insulting a specific person, neutral options like ¡Qué fastidio! (how annoying) are far safer.
Pronunciation Tips
- The rolled RR: Perra and zorra contain the double R, a strong trill. This is different from the single tapped R in pero (but) — and the contrast can change meaning, so practice rolling the rr.
- Silent letters: Bruja has a silent… none, but its J is a throaty “h” sound: BROO-hah.
- Stress: PEH-rrah, POO-tah, kah-BROH-nah.
Cultural & Regional Notes
Slang severity varies widely across the 20+ Spanish-speaking countries. A word that’s relatively mild in one region can be deeply offensive in another, and vice versa. In Mexico, cabrona and perra are common in heated speech; in Spain you’ll hear zorra and puta used both as insults and, casually among friends, as crude intensifiers. Because these terms are genuine slurs, the safe rule for learners is to recognize them but not use them — understanding the words protects you in conversation without putting offensive language in your own mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say bitch in Spanish?
The closest equivalent is 'Perra' (PEH-rrah), literally 'female dog,' used as an insult to a woman. A stronger, more vulgar word is 'puta' (POO-tah). Both are offensive slurs — context and tone decide their force, and 'perra' on its own usually just means a literal female dog.
How do you pronounce Perra?
It's 'PEH-rrah.' The key feature is the double 'rr,' which is a strongly trilled (rolled) R — distinct from the single tapped R in 'pero' (but). Roll the tongue. Stress falls on the first syllable: PEH-rrah.
What does Perra literally mean?
'Perra' literally means 'female dog' (the feminine of 'perro,' dog). It only becomes an insult when aimed at a person. As a slur it parallels English 'bitch'; in pet or animal contexts it's completely neutral — 'mi perra' just means 'my female dog.'
Is Perra or Puta a stronger insult in Spanish?
'Puta' (POO-tah) is far stronger and more vulgar — it literally means 'whore/prostitute' and is one of the harshest insults toward a woman. 'Perra' is offensive but milder. Both should be avoided in polite conversation; 'puta' in particular is highly profane.
Are there regional words for bitch in Spanish?
Yes. In Mexico you may hear 'perra' or 'zorra' (literally 'female fox,' implying promiscuity). 'Cabrona' is a harsh insult to a woman (rough equivalent of 'bitch/SOB'). Slang and severity vary by country, so a word that's mild in one place can be very offensive in another.