narina
/naˈɾina/feminine
The English word "nostril" is translated into Spanish as narina. Wiktionary also lists ventana.
Meaning: either of the two orifices located on the nose (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| narina | /naˈɾina/ | feminine |
| ventana | /benˈtana/ | feminine |
The word refers to either of the two orifices located on the nose.
Which one should you use?
Agujero nasal and fosa nasal are specifically used in more formal or specialized settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, the formal term Fosa nasal is commonly used to refer to the nasal passage.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms narina and ventana are both feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/naˈɾina/
Did you know?
- The term ventana refers to a 'window', and its use for a nostril relies on the metaphor of a small opening that lets air through.
- The term ventana shares its root with the Latin ventus, meaning 'wind', linking the anatomy of the nose to the movement of air.
- The formal term fosa nasal translates literally as 'nasal pit', treating the nostril as a hollow depression rather than just a hole.
Examples in context
- Como llevaba máscara, nadie pudo ver la cicatriz de su narina izquierda.Because he was wearing a mask, nobody could see the scar on his left nostril.This sentence shows how to describe a scar located on the left narina.Tatoeba #13858542 by Seael, translation #9518257 by carlosalberto
- El cirujano operó su narina izquierdaThe surgeon operated on his left nostril
- El médico examinó el agujero nasal derechoThe doctor examined the right nostril
- El médico examinó cada narina con cuidado.The doctor carefully examined each nostril.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is helping María remove a small object from her nose.
- AlejandroQuédate quieta, María.Stay still, María.
- MaríaSiento algo atascado en mi narina.I feel something stuck in my nostril.
- AlejandroYa casi lo tengo.I almost have it.
- MaríaGracias, Alejandro.Thank you, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nostril” translations and entries narina, ventana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries narina, ventana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
