Spanish · Body & Health
"Tongue" in Spanish: lengua
la lengua
A tongue is la lengua (LENG-gwah). It is feminine: una lengua, la lengua. The same word also means a language.
How to pronounce lengua: audio and sound guideAt the dentist
Saque la lengua, por favor.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce lengua
Say it
LENG-gwah
/ˈlen.ɡwa/
LENG-gwah. Stress LENG. Soft g before u. Keep lengua two clear syllables.
"Tongue" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la lengua | the tongue / a language Body part or language, from context. | Body part or language, from context. |
| Me duele la lengua | My tongue hurts Health talk. | Health talk. |
| sacar la lengua | to stick out one's tongue Playful gesture. | Playful gesture. |
| la lengua materna | mother tongue Language sense. | Language sense. |
How to use lengua in real life
- 1At the dentist
Saque la lengua, por favor.
Stick out your tongue, please.
Dentists say saque la lengua.
- 2After hot food
Me quemé la lengua con la sopa.
I burned my tongue on the soup.
Me quemé la lengua is common.
- 3Kids joking
No saques la lengua en la foto.
Don't stick out your tongue in the photo.
Sacar la lengua is playful.
Mistakes English speakers make with lengua
Incorrect: El lengua está rojo.
Correct: La lengua está roja.
Lengua is feminine. Use la lengua.
Incorrect: Me duele el lenguage.
Correct: Me duele la lengua.
The body part is la lengua. El lenguaje means language system.
Good to know
Good to knowLa lengua is both the tongue in your mouth and a language you speak. Context makes the meaning clear. At clinics, Me duele la lengua is about the body. La lengua materna means mother tongue.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
A doctor checks your mouth
ChatPal
¿Puedes sacar la lengua?
Can you stick out your tongue?
You
Sí. Me arde un poco la lengua.
Yes. My tongue burns a little.
ChatPal
Bebe agua fría.
Drink cold water.
You
De acuerdo. Cuido la lengua hoy.
Okay. I'll take care of my tongue today.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Tongue" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Tongue" in Spanish
Is lengua masculine or feminine?
Feminine: la lengua, una lengua.
Does lengua also mean language?
Yes. La lengua can mean a language too.
How do I say stick out your tongue?
Saca la lengua or Saque la lengua.
How do you pronounce lengua?
LENG-gwah with stress on LENG.
Use these words in a conversation
Find useful phrases for a situation, learn what to say back, and rehearse your part with revealable sample answers.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- 8 Sentences with Ser in Spanish: Examples and GrammarExplore 8 sentences with ser in spanish covering identity, origin, time, and materials, with translations, grammar tips, and mistakes to avoid.
- 33 in Spanish: How to Say It and Use It NaturallyLearn how to say 33 in Spanish with clear pronunciation, ordinal forms, regional variations, and real example sentences for confident everyday speaking.
