caries
/ˈkaɾjes/feminine
The Spanish word for cavity (referring to a hole and soft area in tooth caused by caries (noun)) is caries.
caries refers specifically to the hole and soft area in tooth caused by caries (noun).
Meaning: hole and soft area in tooth caused by caries (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
caries is a feminine noun that is used in its singular form to refer to a single cavity, such as in the phrase una caries. To refer to multiple cavities or the general condition of tooth decay, you can use the plural form las caries.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaɾjes/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word caries as a singular noun, but in Spanish, it is a feminine noun that is used in its singular form to refer to a single cavity.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, a person might say they have picaduras in their teeth, using a word that literally means 'stings' or 'bites' from an insect.
- In English, 'caries' is a technical medical term, but in Spanish, caries is the standard, everyday word used by children and adults alike.
- While caries is used for tooth decay, Spanish speakers use the word cavidad to describe a hollow space or cavity in other parts of the body, such as the cavidad nasal.
Examples in context
- El dentista me dijo que tengo varias cariesThe dentist told me I have several cavities
- Tengo que ir al dentista porque me salió un agujero en el dienteI have to go to the dentist because I got a cavity in my tooth
- Tengo una caries en la muela.I have a cavity in my molar.
- El dentista encontró una caries profunda.The dentist found a deep cavity.
- Las caries suelen causar mucho dolor.Cavities often cause a lot of pain.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are talking about a dental appointment.
- Lucía¿Te duele mucho la muela, Javier?Does your molar hurt a lot, Javier?
- JavierSí, creo que tengo una caries.Yes, I think I have a cavity.
- LucíaDeberías ir al dentista pronto.You should go to the dentist soon.
- JavierTienes razón, voy mañana.You are right, I am going tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cavity” translations and entries caries, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
