asfixiado
/asfiɡsjado/from spelling rules
The English phrase "smothered" is translated into Spanish as asfixiado.
The term asfixiado describes a state where someone is unable to breathe because their mouth and nose are covered. While it can specifically mean being smothered by an object, it is also the standard term used to describe being suffocated or deprived of oxygen in both medical and physical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective asfixiado must agree in gender and number with the person or people being smothered. Use asfixiada for a female, asfixiados for a group of males or a mixed-gender group and asfixiadas when referring to a group consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/asfiɡsjado/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the expression asfixiar de besos is used to describe being 'smothered with kisses'. It is a playful way to describe someone receiving an overwhelming amount of affection.
- The word asfixiado shares a root with the English word 'asphyxiation', both of which trace back to the Greek word asphyxia meaning 'pulse-less'.
- The term asfixiado can be used to describe someone who is 'smothered' by debt or high taxes. It is a common way to express being crushed by a heavy economic burden.
Examples in context
- El pollo está cubierto de salsaThe chicken is smothered in sauce
- La carne está recubierta de quesoThe meat is smothered in cheese
- Las papas están ahogadas en salsaThe potatoes are smothered in sauce
- Quiero unos nachos ahogados en quesoI want some nachos smothered in cheese
- El hombre fue asfixiado con una almohada.The man was smothered with a pillow.
- El bebé se sintió asfixiado por la manta.The baby felt smothered by the blanket.
- Fue asfixiado por el humo en el edificio.He was smothered by the smoke in the building.
- El gato estaba asfixiado bajo las almohadas.The cat was smothered under the pillows.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing a safety incident with a baby.
- ElenaEl bebé casi queda asfixiado con el peluche.The baby was almost smothered by the stuffed animal.
- Alejandro¡Qué horror! ¿Está bien ahora, Elena?How horrible! Is he okay now, Elena?
- ElenaSí, pero me asusté mucho.Yes, but I got very scared.
- AlejandroHay que quitar todo de la cuna.We must remove everything from the crib.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
