suero
/ˈsweɾo/
In Spanish, 'iv' is referred to as suero.
In a medical context, suero is the standard way to refer to an IV drip or the fluids being administered. To express the action of administering an IV or putting someone on an IV, you can use the phrase poner un suero.
What does it mean word for word?
The word suero literally means 'serum' or 'whey' in English.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsweɾo/
Did you know?
- While suero refers to the IV drip in a hospital, it is also the word used for 'sports drinks' designed to replace electrolytes, often called suero oral.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, suero can be used as a colloquial term for a 'hangover cure' when referring to the intravenous rehydration used in clinics.
- While 'iv' refers to the medical procedure, the word suero is also the common word for the liquid 'whey' found in dairy products.
Examples in context
- Ayer vi la película 'Rocky IV'.Yesterday I watched the movie 'Rocky IV'.
- Ella nació el 4 de marzo, es decir, el 04/03.She was born on March 4th, that is, 04/03.
- Le pusieron un suero en el hospital.They put him on an IV at the hospital.
- Necesito que me conecten un suero ahora.I need them to connect an IV to me now.
- El suero ayuda a hidratar al paciente.The IV helps to hydrate the patient.
Example conversation
Daniel is visiting María in the hospital room.
- MaríaHola Daniel, estoy muy cansada.Hi Daniel, I am very tired.
- Daniel¿Te duele algo, María?Does something hurt, María?
- MaríaSolo necesito que termine mi suero.I just need my IV to finish.
- DanielEspero que te sientas mejor pronto.I hope you feel better soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry suero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
