sanguijuelas
/sanɡixwelas/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for "leeches" is sanguijuelas.
The term refers to blood-sucking aquatic worms that attach themselves to the skin of animals or humans.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is sanguijuelas, while the singular form is sanguijuela.
How do you pronounce it?
/sanɡixwelas/
Did you know?
- The root of sanguijuela is related to the Latin word sanguis, meaning 'blood', which is also the ancestor of the English word 'sanguine'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear the term sanguijuelas used metaphorically to describe people who are 'social leeches' or exploit others for profit.
- If you are talking about the medical application of the worms, a doctor might refer to the process as hirudoterapia instead of using the common name for the worms.
Examples in context
- En mi granja hay muchas sanguijuelas.There are many leeches on my farm.This sentence is useful for describing the presence of sanguijuelas on a farm.Tatoeba #2783573 by marcelostockle, translation #2783571 by mervert1
- Las sanguijuelas son criaturas hematófagas.Leeches are creatures that feed on blood.This sentence describes the biological nature of sanguijuelas as blood-feeding creatures.Tatoeba #7960120 by Seael, translation #10612215 by sangelo
- Todavía hoy se siguen usando sanguijuelas para ciertos tratamientos.Leeches are still used today for certain treatments.This sentence notes that sanguijuelas are still used in certain medical treatments today.Tatoeba #10200206 by Seael, translation #10612217 by sangelo
- En algunos procedimientos médicos, se utilizan sanguijuelas para mejorar la circulación sanguínea.In some medical procedures, leeches are used to improve blood circulation.
- Las chupasangres pueden encontrarse en ambientes acuáticos y son utilizadas en investigaciones científicas.Leeches can be found in aquatic environments and are used in scientific research.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are hiking near a lake.
- MaríaTen cuidado, hay sanguijuelas en el agua.Be careful, there are leeches in the water.
- Alejandro¿En serio? No quiero que me muerdan.Really? I don't want them to bite me.
- MaríaMejor no entres al lago hoy, Alejandro.Better not go into the lake today, Alejandro.
- AlejandroTienes razón, evitemos las sanguijuelas.You're right, let's avoid the leeches.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
