cálculos biliares
/kalkulos biljaɾes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "gallstones" is translated into Spanish as cálculos biliares.
The term refers to hard deposits that form in the gallbladder.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cálculos biliares is composed of cálculos (stones/calculations) and biliares (biliary/relating to bile).
Which one should you use?
Cálculos biliares is the formal medical term, whereas piedras en la vesícula is more common in everyday conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, piedras en la vesícula is a common informal term. In Argentina, litiasis biliar might be more commonly used in formal settings.
Did you know?
- In some traditional folk medicine practices across Latin America, the presence of piedras is sometimes attributed to 'sustos' or sudden emotional shocks. This cultural belief links physical gallstones to psychological trauma.
- The word biliares shares a root with the English word 'bilious', but in Spanish, the word bilis is frequently used metaphorically to describe a grumpy or irritable person. Someone with a 'bad temper' is often described as having 'bad bile'.
- The word cálculos comes from the Latin calculus, meaning 'small pebble'. In ancient times, physicians used small stones to help calculate weights and measurements, linking the act of counting to the physical stones found in the body.
Examples in context
- Mi abuela fue diagnosticada con cálculos biliares y necesita una cirugía.My grandmother was diagnosed with gallstones and needs surgery.
- Mi amigo tiene piedras en la vesícula y está considerando tratamientos naturales.My friend has gallstones and is considering natural treatments.
- En Argentina, la litiasis biliar es una condición común en pacientes mayores.In Argentina, biliary lithiasis is a common condition in elderly patients.
- Tiene cálculos biliares.He/She has gallstones.
- El doctor me dijo que tengo cálculos biliares.The doctor told me that I have gallstones.
- Los cálculos biliares pueden causar mucho dolor.Gallstones can cause a lot of pain.
- Necesito una cirugía para eliminar los cálculos biliares.I need surgery to remove the gallstones.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about a medical diagnosis at home.
- LucíaMateo, me duele mucho el abdomen.Mateo, my abdomen hurts a lot.
- Mateo¿Crees que sean los cálculos biliares?Do you think it's gallstones?
- LucíaTal vez, iré al médico mañana.Maybe, I will go to the doctor tomorrow.
- MateoEs mejor que te revisen pronto.It is better if they check you soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
