afta
/afta/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'canker sore' is translated into Spanish as afta.
An afta refers to a small, shallow ulcer that forms on the soft tissues inside the mouth.
Which one should you use?
While afta is the standard term, you may also use the synonym llaga to refer to a mouth sore or ulcer. For very formal medical contexts, healthcare professionals may use the term Úlcera Aftosa Mayor to describe a major aphthous ulcer.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina or Colombia, the phrase aftas bucales is sometimes used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of afta is aftas.
How do you pronounce it?
/afta/
Did you know?
- The word afta is a feminine noun, but in spoken Spanish, it uses the masculine article el in the singular form el afta to avoid a clash of 'a' sounds.
- While afta is medically precise, many Spanish speakers colloquially refer to these sores as un fuegon, even though that term is more commonly associated with cold sores on the lips.
- The word afta shares a common ancestor with the English word 'aphthous', a term used in medicine to describe anything related to mouth ulcers.
Examples in context
- Esa afta en tu labio se ve mal.That canker sore on your lip looks bad.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking in the kitchen.
- SofíaNo quiero comer nada ácido hoy.I don't want to eat anything acidic today.
- Alejandro¿Por qué, Sofía?Why, Sofía?
- SofíaTengo una afta y me arde mucho.I have a canker sore and it burns a lot.
- AlejandroUsa un gel para que sane rápido.Use a gel so it heals quickly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries afta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
