el oído interno
/el oido inteɾno/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the inner ear is el oído interno.
The phrase refers to the innermost part of the ear that helps with hearing and balance.
Which one should you use?
Use el oído interno when referring specifically to the anatomical structure of the inner ear. In a more technical or medical context, you may also see the formal expression El oído interno o laberinto.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is masculine, so the article el and the adjective interno must both be in the masculine form.
Did you know?
- The term oído is a past participle of the verb oír, which means 'to hear'. This means the word for 'ear' is grammatically built from the action of hearing.
- In a medical context, el oído interno is often called el laberinto because the structure of the inner ear resembles a complex maze.
- Spanish speakers use the word oído to describe someone's musical ability, such as tener buen oído for 'having a good ear'.
Examples in context
- El oído interno es responsable de la audición y el equilibrio.The inner ear is responsible for hearing and balance.
- Me duele la parte de adentro del oído. Creo que tengo una infección.The inside part of my ear hurts. I think I have an infection.
- El oído interno es fundamental para el equilibrio.The inner ear is fundamental for balance.
- El problema está en el oído interno.The problem is in the inner ear.
- Hay una infección en el oído interno.There is an infection in the inner ear.
Example conversation
Elena is explaining a medical diagnosis to Daniel.
- ElenaDaniel, el médico dice que es el oído interno.Daniel, the doctor says it is the inner ear.
- Daniel¿Por eso te sientes tan mareada, Elena?Is that why you feel so dizzy, Elena?
- ElenaSí, afecta mi equilibrio.Yes, it affects my balance.
- DanielEspero que te recuperes pronto.I hope you recover soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
