nitrito
/nitɾito/from spelling rulesmasculine
The Spanish word for nitrite is nitrito.
nitrito is a masculine noun used in chemistry to refer to the NO2 and NO2- ions.
Meaning: -NO2 and NO2- (noun)
Which one should you use?
nitrito (nitrite) is often confused with nitrato, which refers to the NO3- ion (nitrate).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'nitrites', use nitritos.
How do you pronounce it?
/nitɾito/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse nitrito (nitrite) with nitrato (nitrate).
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the suffix -ito usually turns a word into a cute or small version of itself, but in nitrito it is a strict chemical marker. This can lead to jokes where scientific terms are mistaken for endearing nicknames.
- In Spanish culinary contexts, nitrito de sodio is often referred to simply as sal de cura or 'curing salt', as it prevents the growth of botulism in cured meats.
- Spanish uses the same root for nitrito as it does for nitrógeno, both derived from the Greek 'nitron' meaning 'native soda'.
Examples in context
- No es recomendable ingerir alimentos con nitrito en exceso.It is not advisable to consume foods with excessive nitrite.
- Analizamos la concentración de nitrito en la muestra.We analyzed the nitrite concentration in the sample.
- El nitrito se encuentra en este reactivo.The nitrite is found in this reagent.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a chemistry experiment in a lab.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿sabes dónde está el nitrito?Daniel, do you know where the nitrite is?
- DanielSí, Lucía, está en el estante.Yes, Lucía, it is on the shelf.
- LucíaNecesito el nitrito para mi muestra.I need the nitrite for my sample.
- DanielToma, aquí tienes el frasco.Here, here is the bottle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nitrite” translations and entries nitrito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
