deglución
/deɡluˈθjon/feminine
The Spanish word for swallowing is deglución.
The term deglución is primarily used in medical, biological or formal contexts to describe the physiological act of swallowing.
Meaning: act of swallowing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While deglución is the formal noun for the act, the verb tragar is the common way to express the action of swallowing in everyday speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase pasar saliva is used to mean 'to swallow saliva'.
How does it change in a sentence?
deglución is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/deɡluˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The common verb for swallowing tragar is used in the idiom tragar sapos, which literally means 'to swallow toads' but actually means to endure insults or unpleasant situations without complaining.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the verb tragar can be used as a slang term for someone who is obsessed with or deeply in love with another person, often phrased as está tragado.
- The word deglución shares a root with the English word 'deglutition', a rare medical term that most English speakers never encounter in daily life.
Examples in context
- El médico me indicó que ingiriera los medicamentos con agua.The doctor told me to swallow the medication with water.
- La deglución debe ser sin dolor.Swallowing should be without pain.
- Siente dificultad durante la deglución.He feels difficulty during swallowing.
- La deglución es un proceso complejo.Swallowing is a complex process.
Example conversation
Sofia is describing her symptoms to Daniel at home.
- SofíaDaniel, me duele al tragar.Daniel, it hurts when I swallow.
- DanielParece que tienes un problema de deglución.It seems like you have a swallowing problem.
- SofíaSí, siento mucha molestia.Yes, I feel a lot of discomfort.
- DanielDeberías ir al médico pronto.You should go to the doctor soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swallowing” translations and entries deglución, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
