prótesis
/pɾotesis/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'prosthetic limbs' is translated into Spanish as prótesis.
The term refers to artificial devices used to replace a missing arm or leg. While prótesis is the most common way to refer to these devices, you may also encounter the clinical or formal term extremidades artificiales (artificial limbs).
Which one should you use?
The formal translation for 'prosthetic limbs' is prótesis de extremidades. Additionally, extremidades artificiales is used in more formal or clinical contexts to mean 'artificial limbs'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun prótesis is invariable, meaning its form does not change whether you are talking about one device or many. To indicate number, you must change the article: use la prótesis for 'the prosthetic limb' (singular) and las prótesis for 'the prosthetic limbs' (plural).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾotesis/
Did you know?
- While English differentiates between a 'prosthetic' and a 'replacement', the Spanish prótesis covers both a removable external limb and a permanent internal implant like a heart valve.
- In Spanish medical journals, you will often see prótesis paired with the word ortesis, though an ortesis supports a limb while a prótesis replaces it.
- The word prótesis is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine adjectives and articles like la and una even when referring to a male patient's limb.
Examples in context
- Él necesita unas nuevas prótesis.He needs some new prosthetic limbs.
- Las prótesis modernas son muy ligeras.Modern prosthetic limbs are very light.
- Ella usa prótesis para caminar.She uses prosthetic limbs to walk.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a medical documentary.
- SofíaMira cómo funcionan esas prótesis modernas.Look at how those modern prosthetic limbs work.
- DanielEs increíble que se muevan así.It's incredible that they move like that.
- SofíaSí, ayudan mucho a los pacientes.Yes, they help patients a lot.
- DanielTienen un impacto real en sus vidas.They have a real impact on their lives.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
