Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Bra in Spanish
Sostén · noun · sohs-TEN
There is no single universal Spanish word for bra — the term varies significantly by country. "Sostén" is the most broadly recognized option. In Mexico, "brasier" dominates daily speech. Spain uses "sujetador" almost exclusively, while Argentina and Uruguay prefer "corpiño."
sohs-TEN
No encuentro mi sostén favorito en el cajón.
I can't find my favorite bra in the drawer.
Bra in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for bra, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| sostén | bra | sohs-TEN | Default, widely understood |
| brasier | bra | Mexico | |
| sujetador | bra | Spain | |
| corpiño | bra | Argentina |
How Native Speakers Use Sostén
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Shopping in Mexico
Disculpe, ¿tienen brasieres deportivos en talla mediana?
Excuse me, do you have sports bras in a medium size?
In Mexican stores you will hear "brasier" (sometimes spelled "brassier") far more often than "sostén."
Doing laundry in Spain
Pon los sujetadores en la bolsa de lavado antes de meterlos a la lavadora.
Put the bras in the laundry bag before putting them in the washing machine.
"Sujetador" is the standard term throughout Spain; using "brasier" there would sound foreign.
General conversation
Este sostén es muy cómodo para todo el día.
This bra is very comfortable for all day.
"Sostén" works as a safe, neutral term that most Spanish speakers will understand regardless of country.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Sostén
Using the wrong regional term
Incorrect: En Madrid compré un brasier nuevo. (speaking to a Spaniard)
Correct: En Madrid compré un sujetador nuevo.
"Brasier" is a Mexican term. In Spain, the standard word is "sujetador." Using the wrong regional term may cause momentary confusion.
Treating sostén as feminine
Incorrect: Compré una sostén rosada.
Correct: Compré un sostén rosado.
"Sostén" is masculine despite referring to a garment typically associated with women. Use the masculine article "un" and masculine adjective endings.
Lock in Bra Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Sostén used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using sostén in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear No encuentro mi sostén favorito en el cajón. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Bra in Spanish
- Which word for bra is safest if I don't know my audience's country?
- "Sostén" is your best bet. It is understood across Latin America and Spain, even if it is not the locally preferred term everywhere.
- Is 'brasier' derived from the French word?
- Yes, "brasier" (or "brassier") entered Mexican Spanish from the French "brassière." Despite its French origin, it is used almost exclusively in Mexico and parts of Central America.
- What is a sports bra called in Spanish?
- It depends on the region: "brasier deportivo" in Mexico, "sujetador deportivo" in Spain, and "sostén deportivo" or "top deportivo" in many other countries.