curita
/kuˈɾita/
In Spanish, a band aid is called curita.
The term refers to a small adhesive bandage used to cover minor cuts or wounds.
What does it mean word for word?
The word curita is a diminutive of cura (cure or healing), meaning a 'little healing thing'.
Which one should you use?
While curita is a common way to refer to an adhesive bandage, the term Apósito Adhesivo is used in more formal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Curita is an informal term commonly used in Mexico and is also one of the words used for a band aid in Argentina. In Spain, the word tirita is typically used instead of curita.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the word plural, add -s to form curitas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kuˈɾita/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, using the word curita for an adhesive bandage is actually using a brand name as a common noun, similar to how 'Kleenex' is used in English.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the term curita is used metaphorically to describe a 'quick fix' or a superficial solution to a much larger problem.
- The Spanish word tirita, used in Spain, is likely derived from the verb tirar, which can mean 'to pull' or 'to stretch' the adhesive strip.
Examples in context
- Tomás se puso una curita en el dedo.Tom put a band-aid on his finger.This sentence shows how to use curita to describe putting a bandage on a finger.Tatoeba #5157535 by don_ramon, translation #3155886 by CK
- ¿Tienes una curita?Do you have a Band-Aid?This sentence is a way to ask if someone has a curita.Tatoeba #9525206 by dpcossio, translation #9525179 by Taam
- No toques la curita con tus dedos sucios.Don't touch the band-aid with your dirty fingers.This sentence uses curita to advise against touching a bandage with dirty fingers.Tatoeba #12978279 by mexicanhere, translation #8576380 by Amastan
- El médico aplicó un vendaje adhesivo en la herida.The doctor applied a Band Aid to the wound.
- No olvides llevar tiritas por si te haces un corte.Don't forget to bring Band Aids in case you get a cut.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are in the kitchen after a small cooking accident.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿te cortaste con el cuchillo?Daniel, did you cut yourself with the knife?
- DanielSí, me duele un poco la mano.Yes, my hand hurts a little.
- ElenaBusca una curita en el botiquín.Look for a band aid in the first aid kit.
- DanielGracias, la necesito ahora mismo.Thanks, I need it right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry curita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries curita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
