pulso
/ˈpulso/masculine
The English word pulse is pulso in Spanish.
The term refers to the normally regular beat felt when arteries near the skin are depressed, caused by the heart pumping blood through them.
Meaning: normally regular beat felt when arteries near the skin are depressed, caused by the heart pumping blood through them (noun)
Which one should you use?
While pulso is the standard term, Ritmo cardíaco is a formal term used in medical contexts to indicate a person's heartbeat or pulse rate. Additionally, pulsito is an informal diminutive form of pulso.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, pulso is the preferred term for pulse.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun pulso is masculine and is preceded by the masculine definite article el (el pulso).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpulso/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish speaking countries, pulso refers to an arm-wrestling match. To challenge someone to a contest of strength, you might ask for a pulso.
- The word pulso can be used in the phrase a pulso, which describes something achieved through sheer hard work and personal effort. It evokes the idea of a steady, rhythmic drive toward a goal.
- The phrase tener buen pulso is used to describe someone with a steady hand. It applies to surgeons, artists or anyone performing a precise task, not just medical health.
Examples in context
- Mi pulso es débil.My pulse is slow.This sentence is useful for describing a weak pulse using pulso.Tatoeba #7555615 by arh, translation #322673 by CK
- Tu pulso es normal.Your pulse is normal.This sentence is useful for describing a normal pulse using pulso.Tatoeba #929638 by Shishir, translation #70377 by CK
- Mi pulso está elevado.My pulse is fast.This sentence is useful for describing an elevated pulse using pulso.Tatoeba #1659730 by marcelostockle, translation #322672 by CK
- El médico tomó mi pulso para evaluar mi condición.The doctor took my pulse to assess my condition.
- El monitor muestra mi ritmo cardíaco en tiempo real.The monitor displays my heartbeat in real time.
- Puedo sentir el latido en mi sien después de correr tanto.I can feel the pulse in my temple after running so much.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A doctor's office during a routine checkup.
- SofíaJavier, ¿puedes tomarme el pulso?Javier, can you take my pulse?
- JavierSí, Sofía. Tu pulso es muy regular.Yes, Sofia. Your pulse is very regular.
- Sofía¿No es demasiado rápido?Isn't it too fast?
- JavierNo, es un pulso normal para ti.No, it is a normal pulse for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pulse” translations and entries pulso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
