úvula
/ˈubula/feminine
The English word 'uvula' is translated into Spanish as úvula. It is also spelled gallillo. Wiktionary also lists campanilla and galillo.
Meaning: appendage that hangs from the palate (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| úvula | /ˈubula/ | feminine |
| campanilla | /kampaˈniʝa/ | feminine |
| gallillo | /ɡaˈʝiʝo/ | masculine, alternative form |
| galillo | /ɡaˈliʝo/ | masculine |
The word refers to the appendage that hangs from the palate.
Which one should you use?
úvula is the medical term, whereas campanilla is a very common colloquial way to refer to the uvula in everyday Spanish. The term campana is used in some Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Latin America, to describe the uvula.
Is it said differently in some regions?
galillo and its alternative spelling gallillo are regional terms used in certain parts of Spain and Latin America to refer to the uvula.
How does it change in a sentence?
úvula and campanilla are feminine nouns, while galillo and gallillo are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈubula/
Did you know?
- The medical term úvula is a direct descendant of the Latin word for 'small grape', because the anatomical shape resembles the fruit.
- The colloquial term campanilla is also the word for a 'clapper' inside a bell and a 'bellflower' plant. This linguistic overlap reinforces the visual connection between the body part and the object.
- While the medical term úvula is feminine, the colloquial term galillo is masculine, meaning the gender of the body part changes depending on how informal you are being.
Examples in context
- La úvula es muy pequeña.The uvula is very small.
- Siento una molestia en la úvula.I feel a discomfort in my uvula.
- El doctor examinó mi úvula.The doctor examined my uvula.
Example conversation
Javier is at the doctor with María.
- JavierMe duele mucho la garganta.My throat hurts a lot.
- MaríaAbre la boca para ver tu úvula.Open your mouth so I can see your uvula.
- JavierEstá muy roja, ¿verdad?It is very red, right?
- MaríaSí, Javier, tienes una infección.Yes, Javier, you have an infection.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uvula” translations and entries úvula, campanilla, gallillo, galillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries campanilla, úvula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
