píldora anticonceptiva
/ˌpildoɾa ˌantikonθebˈtiba/
The English phrase "contraceptive pill" is píldora anticonceptiva in Spanish.
This phrase refers to medication taken by a woman to prevent pregnancy.
Which one should you use?
In casual conversation, people often shorten the phrase to la píldora.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to hear the term pastilla anticonceptiva.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the plural form, píldoras anticonceptivas, both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpildoɾa ˌantikonθebˈtiba/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, la píldora is sometimes used metaphorically in political or social contexts to describe a 'bitter pill' or an unpleasant truth that must be accepted.
- The word píldora comes from the Latin pilula, which is a diminutive form of pila meaning 'small ball'.
- The word anticonceptiva is derived from concepto, which in Spanish can refer to both a biological 'conception' and a mental 'concept' or 'idea'.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar píldoras anticonceptivas para el próximo mes.I need to buy contraceptive pills for next month.
- No puedo tomar la píldora anticonceptiva debido a mis alergias.I can't take the contraceptive pill due to my allergies.
- Mi amiga me recomendó unas pastillas para no quedar embarazada.My friend recommended me some pills to avoid getting pregnant.
- Ella toma la píldora anticonceptiva todos los días.She takes the contraceptive pill every day.
- Necesito comprar la píldora anticonceptiva en la farmacia.I need to buy the contraceptive pill at the pharmacy.
- ¿Es efectiva la píldora anticonceptiva?Is the contraceptive pill effective?
Example conversation
María is talking to Mateo about her doctor's appointment.
- MateoMaría, ¿vas al médico para la píldora anticonceptiva?María, are you going to the doctor for the contraceptive pill?
- MaríaSí, Mateo, necesito una nueva receta.Yes, Mateo, I need a new prescription.
- MateoEntiendo, es importante para tu salud.I understand, it is important for your health.
- MaríaAsí es, gracias por preguntar.That's right, thanks for asking.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry píldora anticonceptiva, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries píldora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
