barbitúricos
/baɾbituɾikos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "barbiturates" is translated into Spanish as barbitúricos.
The term refers to a group of drugs used to treat anxiety or to help people sleep.
Which one should you use?
The word barbitúricos is a formal and widely accepted way to refer to drugs classified as 'barbiturates', while the expression Sustancias Barbitúricas is a formal way to emphasize substances or compounds belonging to the barbiturate family.
How do you pronounce it?
/baɾbituɾikos/
Did you know?
- If you are looking for these drugs in a Spanish-speaking pharmacy, asking for barbitúricos might sound more like a scientist or a forensic investigator than a patient. Most people would instead use the descriptive phrase pastillas para dormir to ask for something to help them sleep.
- In Spanish pharmacy labels, you will often see barbitúricos listed under psicotrópicos, a category that encompasses a much wider range of mind-altering substances than the English word 'psychotropic' usually implies in casual conversation.
- The word barbitúrico is an example of a 'universal' medical term. Because it is based on international chemical nomenclature, it is recognized by doctors across almost all languages with very minor spelling changes.
Examples in context
- El médico prescribió barbitúricos a la paciente para ayudarla a dormirThe doctor prescribed barbiturates to the patient to help her sleep
- El artículo científico presentó una investigación sobre los efectos de los barbitúricos en el sistema nervioso centralThe scientific article presented research on the effects of barbiturates on the central nervous system
- Los barbitúricos pueden ser muy peligrosos.Barbiturates can be very dangerous.
- El médico no recetó barbitúricos esta vez.The doctor did not prescribe barbiturates this time.
- Ella estudia los efectos de los barbitúricos.She studies the effects of barbiturates.
Example conversation
At a pharmacy, Alejandro is asking for information about a medication.
- LucíaHola, Alejandro, ¿buscas algún medicamento?Hello, Alejandro, are you looking for some medication?
- AlejandroSí, necesito saber sobre los barbitúricos.Yes, I need to know about barbiturates.
- LucíaEsos barbitúricos requieren una receta médica.Those barbiturates require a medical prescription.
- AlejandroEntiendo, iré a hablar con mi doctor.I understand, I will go talk to my doctor.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
