yeso
/ˈʝeso/
The English phrase "medical cast" is translated into Spanish as yeso.
The term refers to a hard bandage used to keep a broken bone in place while it heals.
What does it mean word for word?
The word yeso literally means "plaster" or "gypsum".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word escayola is commonly used to mean a plaster cast.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʝeso/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the word yeso is used as a slang term for someone who is very stiff or lacks flexibility in their movements.
- The word yeso is a 'doublet' of the Spanish word aljez, meaning they both derive from the same ancient root but entered the language through different paths, one via Latin and one via Arabic.
- In many Latin American countries, yeso is the standard term, but in Spain, asking for yeso might lead people to think you are asking for the raw mineral used in building.
Examples in context
- Le pusieron un yeso en el brazo.They put a cast on his arm.
- El médico me puso un yeso.The doctor put a cast on me.
- No puedo mover el brazo por el yeso.I cannot move my arm because of the cast.
- ¿Te duele mucho el yeso?Does the cast hurt you a lot?
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking at home about Daniel's injury.
- DanielMe rompí la pierna y tengo un yeso.I broke my leg and I have a cast.
- SofíaLo siento mucho, Daniel. ¿Te duele?I am so sorry, Daniel. Does it hurt?
- DanielSolo un poco, pero es muy pesado.Only a little, but it is very heavy.
- SofíaDebes descansar para que sanes pronto.You must rest so you heal soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry yeso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries yeso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
