barandillas laterales
/baɾandiʝas lateɾales/from spelling rules
The English phrase "side rails" is translated into Spanish as barandillas laterales.
This phrase refers to protective bars attached to the sides of a bed or a walkway to prevent people from falling. If you are specifically referring to the rails on a hospital or medical bed, you can use barandillas de la cama.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of barandillas (small railings/rails) and laterales (lateral/side).
Which one should you use?
Rieles laterales and Barras laterales are also used as formal translations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, a common term for side rails is barrotes laterales. In Mexico, the term pasamanos laterales is used to refer to side rails.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is barandilla lateral.
How do you pronounce it?
/baɾandiʝas lateɾales/
Did you know?
- The word barrotes describes the vertical rails of a bed but is also the standard word for the iron bars of a prison cell.
- In Mexico, calling a side rail a pasamanos laterales can be confusing because the word literally means 'hand-toucher', suggesting a handrail for gripping instead of a protective barrier.
- The word barandilla is actually a diminutive form of baranda, where the suffix -illa is used to denote a smaller scale or to soften the tone of the word.
Examples in context
- Instale los rieles laterales en la camaInstall the side rails on the bed
- El paciente requiere barras laterales para su seguridadThe patient requires side rails for their safety
- Asegúrate de colocar las barandillas en la cama antes de dormirMake sure to put the side rails on the bed before sleeping
- Asegúrate de poner los barrotes laterales en la camaMake sure to put the side rails on the bed
- Coloca las barandillas en posición antes de usar la camaPlace the side rails in position before using the bed
- Sube las barandillas laterales de la cuna.Raise the side rails of the crib.
- Las barandillas laterales están muy altas.The side rails are very high.
- Debes revisar las barandillas laterales de la cama.You must check the side rails of the bed.
Example conversation
Mateo is helping María in her hospital room.
- MateoMaría, ¿estás cómoda en la cama?María, are you comfortable in the bed?
- MaríaSí, pero baja las barandillas laterales, por favor.Yes, but lower the side rails, please.
- MateoClaro, yo las bajo ahora mismo.Sure, I will lower them right now.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo, así puedo salir mejor.Thanks, Mateo, this way I can get out better.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
