pupila
/puˈpila/
The English phrase 'eye pupil' is translated into Spanish as pupila.
The term refers to the black circular opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter the eye.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun pupila is feminine, so it is used with the feminine definite article la (e.g., la pupila). It follows standard noun-adjective agreement. For example, the plural form is pupilas.
How do you pronounce it?
/puˈpila/
Did you know?
- The word pupila comes from the Latin word for 'little girl' or 'doll'. This is because when you look into someone's eyes, you can see a tiny reflection of yourself, like a miniature person.
- The phrase tener las pupilas dilatadas is used colloquially to suggest that a person is deeply attracted to whoever they are looking at.
- In classic literature, pupila can refer to a female ward or a young girl under the guardianship of a protector.
Examples in context
- El médico examinó la pupila del ojo para verificar si había alguna anomalía.The doctor examined the eye pupil to check for any anomalies.
- Sus pupilas se dilataron con la oscuridad.Their pupils dilated in the darkness.
- La pupila se dilata en la oscuridad.The pupil dilates in the dark.
- Su pupila es muy pequeña con esta luz.Her pupil is very small with this light.
- El médico examinó mi pupila con una linterna.The doctor examined my pupil with a flashlight.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are looking at a photo of an eye.
- Alejandro¿Puedes ver la pupila en esta foto?Can you see the pupil in this photo?
- MaríaSí, la pupila se ve muy clara.Yes, the pupil looks very clear.
- AlejandroEs un detalle muy importante para el estudio.It is a very important detail for the study.
- MaríaTienes razón, Alejandro.You are right, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pupila, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pupila, CC BY-SA 4.0.
