encías
/enθias/from spelling rules
The English phrase "teeth gums" is translated into Spanish as encías.
encías refers to the pink flesh in the mouth that holds the teeth in place.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is encía, but the word is most commonly used in its plural form, encías, to refer to the gums in general.
How do you pronounce it?
/enθias/
Did you know?
- The word encía is occasionally used metaphorically in Spanish to describe the 'rim' or 'border' of non-biological objects that look like a gum line.
- The word encía shares a phonetic root with words related to 'edge' or 'border' in some Romance linguistic developments, reflecting the gum's position as the border of the tooth.
- Spanish uses encía as both the common word for 'gum' and the professional medical term, unlike English which distinguishes between 'gums' and 'gingiva'.
Examples in context
- El dentista examinó mis encías.The dentist examined my gums
- Creo que tengo una infección en las encíasI think I have a gum infection
- Mis encías están inflamadas y dolorosas.My gums are swollen and painful
- Estoy cuidando mis dientes y encías.I am taking care of my teeth and gums
- Tengo las encías inflamadas.My gums are swollen.
- Debes cuidar bien tus encías.You should take good care of your gums.
- El dentista revisó mis encías.The dentist checked my gums.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing a dental appointment.
- Elena¿Te duele algo al cepillarte?Does something hurt when you brush?
- JavierSí, me sangran un poco las encías.Yes, my gums bleed a little.
- ElenaDeberías ir al dentista pronto.You should go to the dentist soon.
- JavierTienes razón, lo haré mañana.You are right, I will do it tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
