citología
/θitoloˈxia/
The English phrase "smear test" is translated into Spanish as citología.
In a medical context, the standard way to refer to this gynecological screening test is citología. Patients often refer to the procedure simply as la citología.
Meaning: gynaecology: screening test (noun)
Which one should you use?
While citología is the common term, you may encounter more specific formal expressions such as Citología cérvico-vaginal or the formal term Papanicolau.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you might hear the term citología cervical or the phrase examen de células cervicales to refer to the smear test.
How do you pronounce it?
/θitoloˈxia/
Did you know?
- The term citología is a direct linguistic descendant of the Greek word lógos, which originally meant 'word', 'reason', or 'discourse'.
- In a broader scientific context, citología does not just mean a smear test but refers to the entire branch of biology dedicated to the study of cells.
- In some Latin American regions, patients may use the phrase tomar el Papanicolau to describe the act of having the test performed.
Examples in context
- Es importante realizarse un examen de Papanicolau regularmente.It is important to have a regular Papanicolau exam.
- El médico me recomendó hacerme una citología cérvico-vaginal.The doctor recommended that I have a cervical and vaginal cytology exam.
- ¿Te han hecho alguna vez una prueba de citología vaginal?Have you ever had a vaginal cytology test?
- La citología es necesaria para la prevención.The smear test is necessary for prevention.
- Mañana tengo una cita para la citología.Tomorrow I have an appointment for a smear test.
- El médico me pidió una citología.The doctor asked me for a smear test.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are talking at home about her health checkup.
- LucíaJavier, tengo que ir al médico para la citología.Javier, I have to go to the doctor for the smear test.
- Javier¿Es importante que te la hagas pronto?Is it important that you get it done soon?
- LucíaSí, es parte de mi revisión anual.Yes, it is part of my annual checkup.
- JavierEntiendo, es mejor prevenir cualquier problema.I understand, it is better to prevent any problems.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry citología, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries citología, CC BY-SA 4.0.
