oxímetro de pulso
/oɡsimetɾo de pulso/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase pulse oximeter is translated into Spanish as oxímetro de pulso. Wiktionary also lists pulsioxímetro.
Meaning: device used to monitor oxygen (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| oxímetro de pulso | /oɡsimetɾo de pulso/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| pulsioxímetro | /pulsjoɡˈsimetɾo/ | masculine |
Both Spanish terms refer to a device used to monitor oxygen.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase oxímetro de pulso is a literal translation of 'oximeter of pulse', where oxímetro means oximeter and de pulso means of pulse.
Which one should you use?
Pulsioxímetro is a single-word compound form, whereas oxímetro de pulso is a multi-word descriptive phrase. Both are understood to mean the same device.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term pulsioxímetro may be used instead of oxímetro de pulso.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase oxímetro de pulso plural, you change the noun oxímetro to oxímetros and keep de pulso unchanged, resulting in los oxímetros de pulso.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɡsimetɾo de pulso/
Did you know?
- In clinical settings, Spanish speakers often refer to the measurement taken by a pulsioxímetro simply as la saturación, which means 'the saturation'.
- The Spanish word pulso is more versatile than the English 'pulse' as it can also be used to describe how steady or shaky a person's hand is.
- The Spanish word pulso comes from the Latin 'pulsus' which literally means 'beaten' or 'struck'.
Examples in context
- Asegúrese de llevar su oxímetro de pulso durante las visitas médicas regulares.Make sure to bring your pulse oximeter during regular medical visits.
- Me compré un oxímetro de dedo para monitorear mi nivel de oxígeno en casa.I bought a finger pulse oximeter to monitor my oxygen level at home.
- Creo que deberíamos comprar un oxímetro para la casa.I think we should buy a pulse oximeter for the house.
- Necesito un oxímetro de pulso nuevo.I need a new pulse oximeter.
- El oxímetro de pulso marca un nivel bajo.The pulse oximeter shows a low level.
- ¿Dónde guardaste el oxímetro de pulso?Where did you store the pulse oximeter?
Example conversation
At a pharmacy, Maria is helping Mateo find medical supplies.
- María¿Buscas un oxímetro de pulso, Mateo?Are you looking for a pulse oximeter, Mateo?
- MateoSí, para mi abuelo.Yes, for my grandfather.
- MaríaTengo este oxímetro de pulso en oferta.I have this pulse oximeter on sale.
- MateoPerfecto, lo voy a llevar.Perfect, I will take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pulse oximeter” translations and entries pulsioxímetro, 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 de, oxímetro, pulsioxímetro, pulso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
