UCI
/ˈuθi/feminine
The English phrase "icu" (intensive care unit) is translated into Spanish as UCI. Wiktionary also lists uti.
Meaning: intensive care unit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| UCI | /ˈuθi/ /ˈusi/ |
feminine |
| uti | /uti/ (from spelling rules) | Chile, feminine |
Which one should you use?
While UCI is a standard form, UTI is used in specific contexts and places. In Argentina, people often use the phrase Terapia Intensiva.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, uti is used to refer to the intensive care unit. In Mexico, UTI is the term used for the intensive care unit. In Argentina, Terapia Intensiva is a commonly used term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the underlying noun unidad is feminine, the acronym UCI is preceded by the feminine article la (e.g., la UCI).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈuθi/
Did you know?
- The acronym UTI in Spanish is a false friend for English speakers, as in English it almost always refers to a 'urinary tract infection' rather than a hospital unit.
- In Spanish, the word terapia in Terapia Intensiva refers to the medical treatment provided, rather than the psychological therapy the English word usually implies.
- While UCI refers to the unit, the specific bedside area for a single patient is often called el box in Spanish medical slang, borrowing directly from English.
Examples in context
- El paciente se encuentra en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos.The patient is in the Intensive Care Unit.
- La UCI está llena hoy.The ICU is full today.
- Él está en la UCI.He is in the ICU.
- Necesitamos una cama en la UCI.We need a bed in the ICU.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a relative's health in a hospital hallway.
- Javier¿Cómo está tu abuelo?How is your grandfather?
- ElenaEstá en la UCI, pero está estable.He is in the ICU, but he is stable.
- JavierMe alegra que esté estable.I am glad he is stable.
- ElenaGracias, Javier. Espero que mejore pronto.Thank you, Javier. I hope he improves soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “icu” translations and entries UCI, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
