inyección
/inʝeɡˈθjon/
The Spanish word for medical shot is inyección.
inyección refers to an injection of medicine or a vaccine into the body using a needle. If the shot is specifically an immunization, speakers frequently use the word vacuna instead. When talking about the act of administering the shot, use the phrase poner una inyección to mean 'to give a shot' (as a professional would). To say 'to get a shot' as the person receiving it, use the reflexive form ponerse una inyección.
How do you pronounce it?
/inʝeɡˈθjon/
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American countries, a medical shot is colloquially called un piquete, which is the same word used for an insect sting.
- The Spanish term inyección can be used metaphorically to describe a 'shot' of something intangible, like giving a company an inyección de capital or a project an inyección de energía.
- While 'inyección' is the technical term, in many informal settings, people may simply use the word 'pinchazo' to describe the shot, which literally translates to 'a little pinch'.
Examples in context
- La enfermera me dio un pinchazo en el brazo para ponerme la vacuna.The nurse gave me a shot in the arm to administer the vaccine.
- Necesito una inyección para el dolor.I need an injection for the pain.
- La enfermera me puso una inyección.The nurse gave me an injection.
- ¿Es dolorosa la inyección?Is the injection painful?
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are at a medical clinic.
- MateoElena, ¿estás lista para tu inyección?Elena, are you ready for your shot?
- ElenaNo, Mateo. No me gustan las agujas.No, Mateo. I don't like needles.
- MateoLa inyección es muy rápida y necesaria.The shot is very fast and necessary.
- ElenaTienes razón, ya voy a entrar.You are right, I'm going in now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry inyección, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
