línea de las encías
/linea de las enθias/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'gum line' is translated into Spanish as línea de las encías.
The term refers to the anatomical area where the teeth meet the gums.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of línea (line), de las (of the) and encías (gums).
How does it change in a sentence?
While línea de las encías uses the plural 'gums', the singular form línea de la encía is also commonly used to refer to the gum line in a general anatomical sense.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'gum' for both the anatomy and the candy, Spanish uses two distinct words: encía for the mouth and goma for the candy.
- The word línea shares an ancient history with the English word 'linen'. Both come from a root referring to flax, the plant used to create thread and fabric.
- While línea de las encías is the medical term, Spanish speakers often refer to the entire area as la encía when describing redness or inflammation, effectively merging the line and the tissue.
Examples in context
- ¿Alguna vez has tenido problemas con tu línea de las encías?Have you ever had any issues with your gum line?
- La línea de las encías se ve roja.The gum line looks red.
- Debes cepillar suavemente la línea de las encías.You should brush the gum line gently.
- El dentista revisó la línea de las encías.The dentist checked the gum line.
Example conversation
Daniel is at the dentist's office with Elena.
- DanielElena, ¿está sangrando la línea de las encías?Elena, is the gum line bleeding?
- ElenaSí, siento un poco de dolor aquí.Yes, I feel a bit of pain here.
- DanielDebes cepillar con cuidado la línea de las encías.You should brush the gum line carefully.
- ElenaGracias, tendré más cuidado.Thanks, I will be more careful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, las, línea, CC BY-SA 4.0.
