oído interno
/oido inteɾno/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "inner ear" is oído interno in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists oído.
Meaning: anatomy (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| oído interno | /oido inteɾno/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| oído | /oˈido/ | masculine |
The term is used in an anatomical context to describe the inner ear.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the masculine noun oído (ear/hearing) and the adjective interno (inner).
Which one should you use?
While oreja refers to the external, visible part of the ear, oído refers to the sense of hearing and the internal anatomical structures.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term oído interno is commonly used to refer to the inner ear.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because oído is a masculine noun, the adjective interno must also be in its masculine form.
Did you know?
- The word oído can also be used figuratively to mean 'understood', such as in the phrase ¡Oído! which functions like 'Roger!' or 'Got it!' in English.
- In Spanish, the phrase hacer oídos sordos literally means 'to make deaf ears', which is used to describe ignoring something on purpose.
- The noun oído shares a common ancestor with the English word 'audio', both tracing back to the Latin 'audire', meaning 'to hear'.
Examples in context
- ¿Has tenido problemas en el oído interno?Have you had any issues with your inner ear?
- Me hicieron una resonancia para revisar el laberinto óseo.I had an MRI to check my inner ear's bony labyrinth.
- El problema está en el oído interno.The problem is in the inner ear.
- El sonido viaja por el oído interno.The sound travels through the inner ear.
- Tiene un problema en el oído interno.She has a problem in her inner ear.
- El equilibrio depende del oído interno.Balance depends on the inner ear.
Example conversation
Daniel is explaining his dizziness to Elena.
- DanielMe siento muy mareado hoy, Elena.I feel very dizzy today, Elena.
- ElenaTal vez sea un problema del oído interno.Maybe it is a problem with the inner ear.
- DanielCreo que debo ir al médico.I think I should go to the doctor.
- ElenaSí, Daniel, es mejor revisarlo pronto.Yes, Daniel, it is better to get it checked soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inner ear” translations and entries oído interno, oído, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries interno, oído, CC BY-SA 4.0.
