almohadilla térmica
/almoadiʝa teɾmika/from spelling rules
The English phrase "heating pad" is translated into Spanish as almohadilla térmica.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of almohadilla, which means a small cushion or pad and térmica, meaning thermal or heating.
Which one should you use?
While almohadilla térmica is a standard term, compresa térmica (thermal compress) is a common alternative, particularly when discussing the device in a medical or therapeutic context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you will frequently hear almohadilla caliente. In Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay, the variation bolsa térmica is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural suffix, resulting in almohadillas térmicas.
How do you pronounce it?
/almoadiʝa teɾmika/
Did you know?
- The word almohada has roots in the Arabic word al-miḵadda, reflecting the Moorish influence on the Spanish language.
- The suffix -illa in almohadilla is a diminutive, meaning the word literally translates to 'little pillow'.
- While almohadilla térmica is used for electric pads, the term bolsa térmica in South America often refers to a rubber hot water bottle.
Examples in context
- Necesito una almohadilla térmica para mi espalda.I need a heating pad for my back.
- ¿Dónde compraste esa almohadilla térmica?Where did you buy that heating pad?
- La almohadilla térmica está muy caliente.The heating pad is very hot.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are in the living room.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿tienes una almohadilla térmica?Daniel, do you have a heating pad?
- DanielSí, la tengo en el cajón.Yes, I have it in the drawer.
- SofíaGracias, me duele mucho la espalda.Thank you, my back hurts a lot.
- DanielEspero que te sientas mejor pronto.I hope you feel better soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries almohadilla, térmica, CC BY-SA 4.0.
