fosas nasales
/fosas nasales/from spelling rules
The English phrase nostrils is translated into Spanish as fosas nasales.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is la fosa nasal. Because the phrase refers to a pair of openings, it is almost always used in the plural form, las fosas nasales.
How do you pronounce it?
/fosas nasales/
Did you know?
- The word fosa usually means 'pit' or 'grave' in Spanish. To a native speaker, the phrase fosas nasales literally describes the nostrils as nasal pits.
- The word fosa is also used in Spanish to describe a 'septic tank' (fosa séptica), further emphasizing the concept of a hole in the ground.
- The word fosa shares a Latin root with the English word 'fossae' used in medical contexts and 'fosse' meaning a ditch or moat.
Examples in context
- Las jirafas pueden cerrar las fosas nasales.Giraffes can close their nostrils.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the phrase fosas nasales.Tatoeba #10323793 by Seael, translation #8546716 by Amastan
- El aire entra por los orificios nasales y llega a los pulmones.The air enters through the nostrils and reaches the lungs.
- Tengo los orificios nasales obstruidos debido a la alergia.I have blocked nostrils due to allergies.
- Siento un dolor cerca de las fosas nasales.I feel a pain near my nostrils.
- El perfume le irritó las fosas nasales.The perfume irritated her nostrils.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking about a common cold.
- AlejandroTengo las fosas nasales muy congestionadas.My nostrils are very congested.
- ElenaEs por el resfriado que tienes, Alejandro.It is because of the cold you have, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Me recomiendas algún medicamento?Do you recommend any medicine?
- ElenaDeberías consultar a un médico, amigo.You should consult a doctor, friend.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
