Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| moretón | /moɾeˈton/ | colloquial, masculine |
| moratón | /moɾaˈton/ | colloquial, masculine |
| cardenal | /kaɾdeˈnal/ | masculine |
| magulladura | /maɡuʝaˈduɾa/ | feminine |
| hematoma | /emaˈtoma/ | masculine |
| moradura | /moɾaduɾa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| magullón | /maɡuʝon/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| magullamiento | /maɡuʝaˈmjento/ | masculine |
In a medical sense, a bruise is a mark on the skin. For larger bruises or a collection of blood accumulated due to an injury, the term hematoma is used. You can also use magullarse as a reflexive verb to describe the act of bruising one's own body.
Which one should you use?
For everyday conversation about a bruise, use the colloquial forms moretón or moratón. In contrast, use hematoma as the technical term in medical or formal contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Moretón and moratón are colloquial terms. For formal or medical settings, use hematoma or contusión.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Because moretón is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine article un to say "a bruise" (un moretón). The plural of moretón is moretones, and the plural of moratón is moratones.
How do you pronounce it?
/moɾeˈton/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word cardenal can refer both to a bruise and to a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church.
- The common word for a bruise, moretón, is actually named after the 'mulberry' fruit, which is the Spanish word mora.
- Depending on the country, a speaker might use moratón in Spain while using moretón in Mexico, potentially causing slight confusion in regional contexts.
Examples in context
- Tengo un moretón en la pierna izquierda.I have a bruise on my left leg.This sentence is useful for describing the location of a moretón.Tatoeba #12018049 by emma_zunz, translation #6664363 by CK
- Tom tiene un moratón en la pierna derecha.Tom has a bruise on his right leg.This sentence is useful for describing the location of a moratón.Tatoeba #1799982 by wallebot, translation #1025508 by CK
- Tengo un moretón.I have a bruise.This sentence is useful for simply stating you have a moretón.Tatoeba #9685228 by Shishir, translation #275214 by CK
- ¡Me golpeé y ahora tengo un moretón en la pierna!I bumped into something, and now I have a bruise on my leg!
- El doctor dijo que tengo una contusión en el brazo.The doctor said I have a bruise on my arm.
- Tuve un accidente y me dejó un cardenal en la frente.I had an accident, and it left a bruise on my forehead.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are at home looking at a small injury.
- Alejandro¿Qué te pasó en el codo?What happened to your elbow?
- SofíaMe golpeé con la mesa y me salió un moretón.I hit the table and got a bruise.
- AlejandroPobrecita, ese moretón parece doloroso.Poor thing, that bruise looks painful.
- SofíaNo es nada, solo es un moretón pequeño.It's nothing, it's just a small bruise.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bruise” translations and entries moretón, moratón, cardenal, magulladura, hematoma, magullamiento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cardenal, magulladura, moratón, moretón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
