apnea del sueño
/abnea del sweɲo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sleep apnea" is translated into Spanish as apnea del sueño.
The term is used to describe brief interruptions of breathing that occur during sleep.
Meaning: brief interruptions of breathing during sleep (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of apnea (apnea), del (of the) and sueño (sleep).
Which one should you use?
While apnea del sueño is the standard term, apnea obstructiva del sueño is used when referring specifically to the more precise medical condition of obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, Trastorno de Apnea del Sueño (TAS) can be used to refer specifically to "sleep apnea disorder".
Did you know?
- While sueño means 'sleep', Spanish speakers also use it to express being 'sleepy'. Saying tengo sueño does not mean you are currently asleep, but that you feel the need to sleep.
- The word sueño is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'somnambulist', as both trace their roots back to the Latin 'somnus'.
- The term apnea is derived from the Ancient Greek word ápnoia, which literally means 'absence of breath'.
Examples in context
- Aquí tienes un diagrama que muestra cómo se produce la apnea del sueño y cómo afecta a la respiración durante el sueño.Here's a diagram that shows how sleep apnea occurs and how it affects breathing during sleep.
- Me gustaría contar con la ayuda de un intérprete médico para explicar los detalles de la apnea del sueño y entender mejor las opciones de tratamiento.I would like to have the assistance of a medical interpreter to explain the details of sleep apnea and better understand the treatment options.
- La apnea del sueño es peligrosa.Sleep apnea is dangerous.
- Él fue diagnosticado con apnea del sueño.He was diagnosed with sleep apnea.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about a health checkup.
- Elena¿Cómo estás, Alejandro?How are you, Alejandro?
- AlejandroMal, tengo apnea del sueño.Bad, I have sleep apnea.
- ElenaSiento mucho que estés enfermo.I am very sorry that you are sick.
- AlejandroGracias, Elena.Thanks, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sleep apnea” translations and entries apnea del sueño, 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 apnea, del, sueño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
