ecografía mamaria
/ekoɡɾafia mamaɾja/from spelling rules
The English phrase "breast ultrasound" is ecografía mamaria in Spanish.
The term refers to a medical imaging test that uses sound waves to examine breast tissue. While ecografía mamaria is the standard medical term, you may also encounter ecografía de mama frequently in clinical settings.
Which one should you use?
The phrase ultrasonido mamario is a formal way to express this medical procedure, whereas eco mamaria is an informal way to say it.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, ecografía mamaria is commonly understood and used. In Mexico, the term ultrasonido de mama is frequently used. In Argentina, the term eco mamaria is used commonly.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "breast ultrasounds", you must pluralize both the noun and the adjective: ecografías mamarias.
How do you pronounce it?
/ekoɡɾafia mamaɾja/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American regions, if you ask for an ecografía, the technician might assume you are asking for a pregnancy scan unless you specify mamaria, as 'ecografía' is the generic term for all ultrasound imaging.
- The word ecografía is built from the Greek roots echo meaning 'sound' and graphia meaning 'writing'. It literally describes the process of writing or recording sound images.
- In Spanish, the shortened term eco for ecografía is also the word for 'echo'. A patient saying me hicieron un eco literally sounds like they are saying 'they did an echo to me'.
Examples in context
- Estoy programada para un ultrasonido mamario la próxima semana.I am scheduled for a breast ultrasound next week.
- Necesito hacerme una eco mamaria porque me preocupa un bulto que encontré.I need to get a breast ultrasound because I'm worried about a lump I found.
- Necesito programar una ecografía mamaria.I need to schedule a breast ultrasound.
- El médico ordenó una ecografía mamaria.The doctor ordered a breast ultrasound.
- La ecografía mamaria fue muy rápida.The breast ultrasound was very quick.
Example conversation
Elena is discussing her medical appointments with Alejandro.
- ElenaTengo una ecografía mamaria mañana.I have a breast ultrasound tomorrow.
- Alejandro¿A qué hora es la cita, Elena?What time is the appointment, Elena?
- ElenaEs a las diez de la mañana.It is at ten in the morning.
- AlejandroYo te acompaño al hospital.I will accompany you to the hospital.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
