Spanish compound words

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025 by Marta Díaz

If you want to go beyond basic Spanish vocabulary, in this article from don Quijote we bring you compound words in Spanish. Do you know what types of compound words there are? They probably exist in your native language too, but do you know how to use them in Spanish?

Discover everything related to compound words, their meaning, and example sentences so you can see where and when to use them. Are you ready to take your journey of learning Spanish in Spain to the next level? don Quijote helps you achieve the level you've always wanted.

What are compound words in Spanish?

In Spanish, compound words are those that are formed by joining two or more simple words. Thus, both words combine their structures and create a new term with a meaning different from the original words. Compound words in Spanish can be formed by several grammatical elements: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, or prepositions.

In general, compound words in Spanish can be inseparable, for example, sacapuntas, which is a single indivisible unit. Or they can be separable, such as teórico-práctico, when it comes to elements that retain a certain independence.

Types of Spanish compound words

As mentioned above, just as compound words can be inseparable or separable, there are different types and divisions. These are the most common:

They form a single word. The union of two words contributes to the appearance of a single word. The elements may undergo modifications. For example, agridulce (bittersweet), rompecabezas (puzzle), or medianoche (midnight).
They remain separate. Two words are joined, but they refer to a single element, so they are written separately, even though their meaning is combined. For example: medio ambiente (environment) or pez espada (swordfish).
Joined by a hyphen. Although they form a single word, they are separated by a hyphen, but they designate a single referent and do not merge, as in the previous examples. For example: hispano-romano (Hispanic Roman) or socio-económico (socio-economic).

List of Spanish compound words

Once you understand that there are different types of compound words in Spanish, it's time to learn the most common ones. Below is a complete list of very common compound words, the two words that form them, and their meaning.

Common Spanish compound words

Abrecartas (abre + cartas). Letter opener: an object used to open envelopes or paper letters.
Abrelatas (abre + latas). Can opener: a tool for opening cans of food.
Agridulce (agrio + dulce). Bittersweet: a flavor that combines sweet and sour.
Altamar (alta + mar). High seas: the open sea, far from the coast.
Bienestar (bien + estar). Well-being: state of satisfaction or comfort.
Boquiabierto (boca + abierto). Open mouth: when a person is very surprised.
Bocacalle (boca + calle). Turning or entrance into a street: entrance or beginning of a street.
Cumpleaños (cumple + años). Birthday: anniversary of birth.
Girasol (gira + sol). Sunflower: plant that turns its flower toward the sun-
Guardaespaldas (guarda + espaldas). Bodyguard: person who protects another.
Lavavajillas / lavaplatos (lava + vajillas/platos). Dishwasher: machine that automatically washes dishes.
Limpiaparabrisas (limpia + parabrisas). Windshield wiper: mechanism in cars that cleans the front glass when it rains.
Maldecir (mal + decir). Curse: to insult or speak ill of someone.
Medianoche (media + noche). Midnight: 12:00 a.m.
Paraguas (para + aguas). Umbrella: an object used to protect oneself from the rain.
Pararrayos (para + rayos). Lightning rod: a device that protects against lightning strikes.
Pasamanos (pasa + manos). Handrail: a bar used for support when going up or down stairs.
Pelirrojo (pelo + rojo). Redhead: a person with red hair.
Quitamanchas (quita + manchas). Stain remover: a product that removes stains from clothing or other surfaces.
Rascacielos (rasca + cielos). Skyscraper: a very tall building in cities.
Rompecabezas (rompe + cabezas). Puzzle: a difficult puzzle or riddle.
Sacapuntas (saca + puntas). Pencil sharpener: tool for sharpening pencils.
Salvavidas (salva + vidas). Life jacket or life vest: float or object to prevent drowning.
Sobremesa (sobre + mesa). After-dinner conversation: time spent at the table after eating.
Tirachinas (tirar + chinas). Slingshot: instrument for throwing small stones.