parálisis cerebral
/paɾalisis θeɾebɾal/from spelling rulesfeminine
Cerebral palsy in Spanish is parálisis cerebral.
parálisis cerebral is a noun used to describe a group of non-contagious conditions.
Meaning: group of non-contagious conditions (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This term is a literal translation where parálisis means 'paralysis' and cerebral means 'cerebral'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun parálisis is feminine, so it is preceded by the feminine article la when used with a definite article: la parálisis cerebral.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾalisis θeɾebɾal/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the adjective cerebral can also be used colloquially to describe someone who is 'acting too intellectual' or 'detached', much like the English 'cerebral'.
- While parálisis cerebral is the clinical term, Spanish speakers often use the phrase discapacidad motora when referring to the broader experience of living with the condition in social settings.
- In certain Spanish dialects, the 'c' in cerebral is pronounced as a 'th' sound, while in others it is an 's' sound, though the meaning remains the same.
Examples in context
- Mi sobrino tiene parálisis cerebral desde su nacimiento.My nephew has had cerebral palsy since birth.
- La parálisis cerebral afecta el movimiento.Cerebral palsy affects movement.
- Su hijo tiene parálisis cerebral.Her son has cerebral palsy.
- La parálisis cerebral no es contagiosa.Cerebral palsy is not contagious.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a medical documentary.
- AlejandroEl documental habla sobre la parálisis cerebral.The documentary talks about cerebral palsy.
- LucíaEs un tema muy importante, Alejandro.It is a very important topic, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, muestra cómo mejorar la calidad de vida.Yes, it shows how to improve the quality of life.
- LucíaTienes razón, Lucía está de acuerdo.You are right, Lucía agrees.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cerebral palsy” translations and entries parálisis cerebral, 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.
