privada

Privada is a term used in Romance languages with several related but distinct meanings depending on language and region. Its senses derive from Latin privatus, meaning set apart or belonging to oneself.

In Spanish, privada is the feminine form of the adjective privado. It is used primarily to describe something private or non-public, as in propiedad privada (private property), vida privada (private life), or conversación privada (private conversation). As a standalone noun, privada is uncommon; the private sense is typically expressed with the feminine form of the adjective or within compound phrases.

In Brazilian Portuguese, privada is most commonly a noun meaning the toilet or restroom. Phrases such as ir à privada (to go to the toilet) are widely understood. As an adjective, privada agrees with feminine nouns to mean private, as in empresa privada (private company) or propriedade privada (private property). In other Portuguese-speaking regions, sanita or sanitário are also used for bathrooms, so privada is heard less often outside Brazil.

Other uses include the appearance of privada as a proper noun in place names or surnames within Hispanic and Lusophone contexts. While not as common as its everyday adjective or toilet senses, it may occur as part of cultural or geographic designations.

See also: privado, privacidade, privación.