úlcera
/ˈulθeɾa/feminine
The English word 'ulcer' can be translated into Spanish as úlcera or llaga.
Meaning: open sore (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| úlcera | /ˈulθeɾa/ /ˈulseɾa/ |
feminine |
| llaga | /ˈʝaɡa/ | feminine |
Both terms refer to an open sore, but they are used in different contexts. úlcera is the specific medical term for clinical ulcers, such as those found internally in the stomach. llaga is used more generally to refer to a sore or a wound.
Which one should you use?
úlcera is the medical term for an ulcer, whereas llaga is a more colloquial way to refer to a general sore or wound.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of úlcera is las úlceras, which maintains the accent on the first syllable.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈulθeɾa/
Did you know?
- The word úlcera comes from the Latin 'ulcera', which was actually the plural form of the word for 'sore'.
- In Spanish, the word llaga is often used metaphorically in the phrase tocar la llaga, which means to 'touch a raw nerve' or bring up a painful subject.
- While úlcera is used for clinical conditions, llaga is the term used when describing the 'Five Holy Wounds' or las cinco llagas of Christ in religious art.
Examples in context
- Tengo una úlcera en la boca.I have an ulcer in my mouth.This sentence is useful for describing having an úlcera in the mouth.Tatoeba #2929253 by teskmon, translation #240580 by CM
- Una úlcera se forma en el estómago.An ulcer forms in the stomach.This sentence is useful for describing how an úlcera forms in the stomach.Tatoeba #1424720 by peibolvig, translation #28155 by AlanF_US
- Tiene una úlcera en el estómagoHe/she has an ulcer in the stomach
- El diagnóstico reveló una úlcera pépticaThe diagnosis revealed a peptic ulcer
- Andrés tiene una llaguita en la bocaAndrés has a little ulcer in his mouth
- Me salió una ulcercita en la lenguaI got a little ulcer on my tongue
- Mi abuela sufre de úlceras en las piernasMy grandmother suffers from leg ulcers
- Si tienes una úlcera en el estómago, evita alimentos picantesIf you have an ulcer in your stomach, avoid spicy food
- No comas cítricos si tienes una llaguita en la bocaDo not eat citrus fruits if you have a little ulcer in your mouth
- El médico dice que es una úlcera.The doctor says it is an ulcer.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo is talking to María about his health.
- MateoMe duele mucho la pierna, María.My leg hurts a lot, María.
- María¿Es por esa úlcera que tienes?Is it because of that ulcer you have?
- MateoSí, la úlcera no quiere sanar.Yes, the ulcer doesn't want to heal.
- MaríaDeberías ir al hospital hoy mismo.You should go to the hospital today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ulcer” translations and entries úlcera, llaga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries llaga, úlcera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
