spirale
/spiˈra.le/feminine
The English phrase 'intrauterine device' is translated into Italian as spirale. Wiktionary also lists dispositivo intrauterino.
Meaning: contraceptive device (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dispositivo intrauterino | masculine | |
| spirale | /spiˈra.le/ | feminine |
The terms refer to a contraceptive device.
Which one should you use?
spirale is the most common way to refer to an IUD in everyday conversation. In contrast, dispositivo intrauterino is the technical medical term.
How does it change in a sentence?
spirale is a feminine noun and requires feminine articles and adjectives, such as la spirale. dispositivo intrauterino is a masculine noun, used with masculine articles like il dispositivo intrauterino.
How do you pronounce it?
The word spirale has three syllables and is pronounced /spiˈra.le/. The stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word spirale is used in Italian to describe the 'spiral' of a galaxy or a DNA strand, showing the word's versatility across science and medicine.
- While 'IUD' is a common acronym in English, Italians rarely use an acronym for this device, preferring the full name or the colloquial spirale.
- The word dispositivo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'disposition', as both stem from the Latin verb 'disponere' meaning to arrange or set in order.
Examples in context
- Ho deciso di utilizzare un dispositivo intrauterino per il controllo delle nascite.I have decided to use an intrauterine device for birth control.
- Sto valutando l'opzione di inserire una spirale anticoncezionale.I am considering the option of getting a contraceptive coil.
- Hai mai provato ad utilizzare una spirale?Have you ever tried using an intrauterine device?
- Penso di voler usare un dispositivo intrautero per prevenire la gravidanza.I think I want to use an intrauterine device for contraception.
- La mia dottoressa mi ha consigliato la spirale.My doctor recommended the IUD to me.
- Ho paura che la spirale possa spostarsi.I am afraid the IUD might move.
- La spirale è un metodo molto efficace.The IUD is a very effective method.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are discussing birth control options at home.
- GiuliaSto pensando di mettere la spirale.I am thinking about getting the IUD.
- MatteoÈ una buona idea per te, Giulia?Is it a good idea for you, Giulia?
- GiuliaSì, mi sembra la soluzione più pratica.Yes, it seems like the most practical solution.
- MatteoVa bene, sentiamo cosa dice il medico.Alright, let's see what the doctor says.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “intrauterine device” translations and entries dispositivo intrauterino, spirale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dispositivo, intrauterino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
