ventilador
/bentilaˈdoɾ/
The Spanish word for ventilator is ventilador.
In a medical context, this term refers to a machine that helps a patient breathe. However, it is important to note that in most everyday settings, a ventilador is understood to be an electric fan used to circulate air.
Meaning: medicine: machine to help breathing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ventilador can be used in medical settings, the term respirador or ventilador mecánico is often used to specifically denote the medical device used for life support. In contrast, the word ventilador is much more commonly used to refer to an electric fan.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term respirador artificial is commonly used to denote a ventilator.
How do you pronounce it?
/bentilaˈdoɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use ventilador to mean a medical ventilator, but in Spanish, this word is much more commonly understood to mean a household electric fan.
Did you know?
- While ventilador is used for both machines, Spanish speakers often use respirador specifically for life support to emphasize the act of breathing over the movement of air.
- The word ventilador is a cognate of the English word 'ventilator', meaning they share a common linguistic ancestor.
- In Mexico, you are more likely to hear the phrase respirador artificial used to describe a life-support machine in a hospital.
Examples in context
- La paciente necesita ser conectada a un ventilador de forma urgente.The patient needs to be connected to a ventilator urgently.
- La unidad de cuidados intensivos está equipada con los últimos respiradores artificiales.The ICU is equipped with the latest artificial respirators.
- Tenemos que ajustar los parámetros en la máquina para respirar.We have to adjust the settings on the breathing machine.
Example conversation
A doctor and a nurse are discussing a patient's condition.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿está estable el paciente?María, is the patient stable?
- MaríaSí, Alejandro, pero sigue con el ventilador.Yes, Alejandro, but he is still on the ventilator.
- AlejandroPodemos intentar quitar el ventilador mañana.We can try to remove the ventilator tomorrow.
- MaríaDe acuerdo, revisaré sus niveles ahora.Alright, I will check his levels now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ventilador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ventilador, CC BY-SA 4.0.
