frenos
/fɾenos/from spelling rules
In Spanish, mouth braces is translated as frenos.
The term is used to describe a dental appliance used to straighten teeth. If you want to say "to get braces", you can use the phrase Ponerse aparatos. Additionally, a "retainer" is called a retenedor.
What does it mean word for word?
The word frenos literally means "brakes" (such as a car's brakes).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While frenos is the standard term, you can use more formal or clinical language such as aparatos de ortodoncia (orthodontic appliances) or brackets dentales (dental brackets) to refer specifically to the brackets attached to the teeth. In informal settings, some speakers use the word hierros to refer to braces.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word frenos is a masculine plural noun. When referring to the dental appliance, it is almost always used with the definite article los, forming los frenos.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɾenos/
Did you know?
- While frenos is common in the Americas, speakers in Spain are far more likely to use brackets or aparatos. Using frenos in Spain might sound more like you are talking about a vehicle than a smile.
- The word aparatos is so broad in Spanish that it can refer to a toaster and dental braces in the same sentence. While English separates 'appliances' from 'medical devices', Spanish often groups them under one term.
- While 'brackets' is used in many English-speaking contexts, in Spanish, using brackets is often perceived as a more precise, clinical choice than the everyday frenos.
Examples in context
- Estoy considerando obtener aparatos de ortodoncia para mejorar la alineación de mis dientes.I am considering getting orthodontic appliances to improve the alignment of my teeth.
- Mi ortodoncista me colocó brackets dentales en los dientes superiores e inferiores.My orthodontist placed dental brackets on both my upper and lower teeth.
- ¡Me quitarán los frenillos el próximo mes y podré sonreír sin preocupaciones!They will remove my mouth braces next month, and I'll be able to smile without any worries!
- Él tiene que usar frenos.He has to wear braces.
- Los frenos son un poco incómodos.Braces are a little uncomfortable.
- Mi hermana se quitó los frenos ayer.My sister got her braces off yesterday.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their dental health.
- ElenaMira, Javier, finalmente me pusieron los frenos.Look, Javier, they finally put my braces on.
- JavierSe ven muy bien, Elena.They look very good, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, pero me duelen un poco los dientes.Thanks, but my teeth hurt a little.
- JavierEs normal al principio con los frenos.It's normal at the beginning with braces.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
