derrame cerebral
/deˌrame θeɾeˈbɾal/masculine
The English word stroke is translated into Spanish as derrame cerebral. Wiktionary also lists accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) and derrame.
Meaning: loss of brain function arising when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| derrame cerebral | /deˌrame θeɾeˈbɾal/ /deˌrame seɾeˈbɾal/ |
masculine |
| accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) | masculine | |
| derrame | /deˈrame/ | masculine |
| stroke | /stɾoke/ (from spelling rules) | US, masculine |
| ataque cerebrovascular | /atake θeɾebɾobaskulaɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /atake seɾebɾobaskulaɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
The term refers to the loss of brain function caused by a sudden interruption of the blood supply to the brain.
Which one should you use?
While accidente cerebrovascular is the precise medical term, derrame cerebral is the most common way to refer to a stroke in everyday conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Accidente cerebrovascular (often abbreviated as ACV) is a formal medical term used by doctors and in clinical settings. Infarto cerebral is also a formal term for stroke.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term stroke is noted as being used in the US.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that someone 'had' a stroke, use the verb tener (to have) in the past tense, such as tuvo (he/she had).
How do you pronounce it?
/deˌrame θeɾeˈbɾal/
Did you know?
- The common term derrame comes from the verb derramar, which literally means 'to spill'. In a medical context, it suggests that something, like blood, has 'spilled' into an area where it should not be.
- In casual conversation, if someone says le dio un derrame, they are using the verb dar (to give) instead of tener (to have), which is a very common idiomatic way to describe sudden medical events.
- The term derrame is used for other medical conditions, such as a derrame pleural when fluid builds up around the lungs.
Examples in context
- Le dio un derrame cerebral.He had a stroke.This sentence shows how to say someone had a stroke using derrame.Tatoeba #2266302 by cueyayotl, translation #2266301 by _undertoad
- Mi abuela tuvo un derrame cerebral.My grandmother had a stroke.Tatoeba #12969446 by mexicanhere, translation #2580750 by Hybrid
- El paciente sufrió un accidente cerebrovascular.The patient had a stroke.
- Los síntomas indican que podría tratarse de un infarto cerebral.The symptoms suggest it could be a stroke.
- Mi abuelo tuvo un derrame cerebral la semana pasada.My grandfather had a stroke last week.
- Mi tía sufrió un ataque cerebral mientras estaba en el trabajo.My aunt had a stroke while she was at work.
- El médico confirmó que fue un derrame cerebral.The doctor confirmed it was a stroke.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a relative's health.
- MateoMi tío está en el hospital ahora.My uncle is in the hospital now.
- Sofía¿Qué le pasó a tu tío, Mateo?What happened to your uncle, Mateo?
- MateoSufrió un derrame cerebral ayer.He suffered a stroke yesterday.
- SofíaSiento mucho escuchar eso, espero que mejore.I am very sorry to hear that, I hope he gets better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stroke” translations and entries derrame cerebral, derrame, stroke, ataque cerebrovascular, 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 accidente, cerebral, cerebrovascular, derrame, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
