How to Say Sexual Harassment in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
Updated for 2026, if you're looking for how to say "sexual harassment" in Spanish, you've come to the right place. The term most commonly used is "acoso sexual," which refers to unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
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Legal Definitions and Protections for Sexual Harassment in Spanish-Speaking Countries
"Acoso sexual" is the primary term used to describe sexual harassment. However, it's important to note that legal definitions can vary from country to country within the Spanish-speaking world. For instance, in Spain, "acoso sexual" includes both verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating or hostile work environment. In Mexico, similar protections exist under the term "hostigamiento sexual," which also covers any form of unwanted sexual behavior.
Regional Differences and Alternative Terms
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →In some regions, such as parts of Latin America, you might encounter the term "hostigamiento sexual" in addition to or instead of "acoso sexual." Both terms are legally recognized and convey the same meaning. Additionally, it's crucial to be aware that different countries may have distinct legal frameworks for addressing sexual harassment.
Sample Sentences for Various Contexts
To help you understand how to use these terms in context:
- El acoso sexual es un delito grave.
(Sexual harassment is a serious crime.)
- Las víctimas de hostigamiento sexual merecen nuestro apoyo.
(Victims of sexual harassment deserve our support.)
- Ella denunció el acoso sexual a su jefe.
(She reported the sexual harassment to her boss.)
- El hostigamiento sexual en el lugar de trabajo no debe ser tolerado.
(Sexual harassment in the workplace should not be tolerated.)
- El acoso sexual es una forma de violencia de género.
(Sexual harassment is a form of gender violence.)
How to Report Sexual Harassment Online in Spanish-Speaking Countries
In addition to understanding the legal definitions and regional differences, it's essential to know how to report sexual harassment online. Many countries have specific platforms or hotlines for reporting such incidents. For example, in Spain, you can use the website of the Ministry of Equality (Ministerio de Igualdad) to file a complaint. In Mexico, there are dedicated digital platforms and phone numbers available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to say "sexual harassment" in Spanish is crucial for anyone working or living in Spanish-speaking countries. Understanding the legal definitions, regional variations, and reporting mechanisms can help protect individuals from this serious issue.
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