protésico
/pɾoˈtesiko/
The English word "prosthetic" is translated into Spanish as protésico. Wiktionary also lists postizo.
Meaning: artificial (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| protésico | /pɾoˈtesiko/ |
| postizo | /posˈtiθo/ /posˈtiso/ |
Use protésico when discussing medical or technical devices, such as artificial limbs or organs. For common, non-clinical items like false eyelashes or false teeth, the word postizo is used.
Which one should you use?
Protésico is used in a formal or medical context for technical prosthetics. In contrast, postizo is more common and informal, used for items like pestañas postizas (false eyelashes). For very informal references to a prosthetic leg, one might use the phrase pata de palo.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, protésico must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. It changes to protésica for feminine singular nouns and to protésicos for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈtesiko/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the distinction between protésico and postizo is so sharp that using protésico for false eyelashes would sound like a medical surgery to a native speaker.
- The word postizo shares a linguistic root with the English verb 'to place' or 'to position'. It comes from the Latin 'apponere', which means to place or attach something onto another object.
- While postizo means 'artificial', it is also used in the phrase cabello postizo to refer specifically to a wig or hair extensions.
Examples in context
- Tom tiene un brazo protésico.Tom has a prosthetic arm.This sentence shows the use of protésico to describe a limb.Tatoeba #10082478 by manufrutos, translation #6805566 by Hybrid
- Esa persona tenía un pene protésico bajo su ropa.That person had a prosthetic penis under their clothes.This sentence illustrates the use of protésico in a medical/technical context.Tatoeba #10082453 by manufrutos, translation #9815363 by Amastan
- El paciente utiliza una prótesis de piernaThe patient uses a prosthetic leg.
- El niño necesita una prótesis dentalThe child needs a dental prosthesis.
- El pirata famoso tenía una pata de paloThe famous pirate had a wooden leg.
- Cuando se rompieron sus dientes, decidió ponerse un puenteWhen his teeth broke, he decided to get a bridge.
- Mi abuelo utiliza una prótesis de caderaMy grandfather uses a hip prosthesis.
- Después del accidente, necesitaré una prótesis de brazoAfter the accident, I will need an arm prosthesis.
- El dentista recomendó una prótesis dental para los dientes perdidosThe dentist recommended a dental prosthesis for the missing teeth.
- El diseño de su componente protésico es avanzado.The design of his prosthetic component is advanced.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing a medical device.
- MaríaMira este brazo protésico, es muy avanzado.Look at this prosthetic arm, it is very advanced.
- DanielEs increíble lo que la tecnología puede hacer.It is incredible what technology can do.
- MaríaAyuda mucho a mejorar la calidad de vida.It helps a lot to improve the quality of life.
- DanielTienes razón, María, es un gran invento.You are right, María, it is a great invention.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prosthetic” translations and entries protésico, postizo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries postizo, protésico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
