ablandador de heces
/ablandadoɾ de eθes/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'stool softener' is translated into Spanish as ablandador de heces.
A stool softener is a medication used to make bowel movements easier to pass. The standard medical and pharmaceutical term for this is ablandador de heces.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ablandador is derived from the verb ablandar, meaning 'to soften' and heces means 'stool' or 'feces'.
Which one should you use?
While ablandador de heces is the standard term, you may encounter more formal versions like Laxante suavizante de heces, Emoliente fecal or Medicamento ablandador de heces. For informal situations, you can use phrases like Algo para suavizar las heces or Medicina para hacer más suaves las heces.
How do you pronounce it?
/ablandadoɾ de eθes/
Did you know?
- The verb ablandar in the word ablandador is also used metaphorically in Spanish to describe 'softening' someone's heart or making a person more easygoing.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, instead of using the formal ablandador de heces, people often use the euphemism remedio para el estreñimiento (remedy for constipation) to avoid the clinical sound of the word heces.
- The term emoliente used in the formal phrase emoliente fecal comes from the Latin word for 'oil'. It describes the physical action of lubricating the stool rather than just softening it.
Examples in context
- ¿Tiene usted un laxante suavizante de heces?
Sí, aquí tiene.Do you have a stool softening laxative?
Yes, here you go. - Necesito comprar un ablandador de heces.I need to buy a stool softener.
- ¿Dónde venden el ablandador de heces?Where do they sell stool softener?
- El médico me recomendó un ablandador de heces.The doctor recommended a stool softener to me.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are in a pharmacy.
- SofíaMateo, ¿puedes buscar un ablandador de heces?Mateo, can you look for a stool softener?
- MateoClaro, ¿en qué pasillo está?Sure, which aisle is it in?
- SofíaCreo que está en la sección de medicinas.I think it is in the medicine section.
- MateoYa lo encontré para ti.I already found it for you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
