marcapasos
/maɾkaˈpasos/masculine
The English word 'pacemaker' is translated into Spanish as marcapasos. If unsure, use marcapasos. Wiktionary also lists marcapaso and estimulador cardíaco.
Meaning: medical implement (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| marcapasos | /maɾkaˈpasos/ | masculine |
| marcapaso | /maɾkaˈpaso/ | masculine |
| estimulador cardíaco | /estimuladoɾ kaɾdiako/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
Which one should you use?
marcapasos is the most common way to say pacemaker. The variant marcapaso is a common singular form used in many regions. For a more formal medical designation, you can use estimulador cardíaco, which translates literally to 'cardiac stimulator'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The singular form marcapaso is a common variant found in many Spanish-speaking regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word marcapasos is an invariable noun, which means it stays the same in both singular and plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾkaˈpasos/
Did you know?
- The verb marcar in marcapasos can also mean 'to dial' a phone number or 'to score' a goal in soccer.
- Beyond medicine, a marcapasos is the term used in sports for a 'pacemaker' athlete who sets the tempo for other runners or cyclists to follow.
- The word marcapasos is a calque, meaning it was created by translating the English word 'pacemaker' literally into Spanish.
Examples in context
- Tom necesita un marcapasos.Tom needs a pacemaker.This sentence is useful for expressing a medical necessity using marcapaso.Tatoeba #10770698 by Shishir, translation #10768966 by CK
- Mi padre se puso recientemente un marcapasos.My dad got a pacemaker recently.This sentence is useful for describing a recent medical procedure using marcapaso.Tatoeba #10093229 by manufrutos, translation #10087295 by ddnktr
- Llevo marcapasos.I've got a pacemaker.This sentence is useful for stating that one has a pacemaker using marcapaso.Tatoeba #3053 by Shishir, translation #2236 by kebukebu
- Mi abuelo se sometió a una cirugía de implantación de un estimulador cardíaco.My grandfather underwent surgery for the implantation of a pacemaker.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a family member's health at a hospital.
- Alejandro¿Cómo está tu abuelo?How is your grandfather?
- SofíaEstá estable tras su operación de marcapasos.He is stable after his pacemaker operation.
- AlejandroMe alegra mucho saber eso.I am very happy to hear that.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, es un alivio.Thanks, Alejandro, it is a relief.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pacemaker” translations and entries marcapasos, marcapaso, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cardíaco, estimulador, marcapaso, marcapasos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
