llevar brackets
/ʝebaɾ bɾaɡkets/from spelling rules
To say "wear braces" in Spanish, use llevar brackets.
The phrase refers to the act of having metal or plastic wires attached to one's teeth for the purpose of straightening them.
Which one should you use?
While 'llevar brackets' is common in daily speech, 'llevar ortodoncia' is a more formal or clinical way to refer to the treatment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Argentina, you may also use Usar brackets to say "wear braces".
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝebaɾ bɾaɡkets/
Did you know?
- While brackets is a loanword from English, some Spanish speakers use frenillos, which literally means 'bridles' as used for horses.
- The verb llevar used in this context comes from the Latin 'levare', which originally meant 'to raise' or 'to lighten' rather than 'to carry'.
- The verb llevar used in this phrase is the same word used to say 'to carry' or 'to take' an object from one place to another.
Examples in context
- El dentista me recomendó usar frenillos para corregir la posición de mis dientes.The dentist recommended that I wear braces to correct the position of my teeth.
- Debería considerar usar frenillos para alinear sus dientes adecuadamente.You should consider wearing braces to align your teeth properly.
- He notado que muchos jóvenes usan frenillos alrededor de aquí.I've noticed many young people wearing braces around here.
- Me van a poner frenillos en un par de semanas.I'm going to get braces in a couple of weeks.
- ¿Te han dicho cuándo te vas a poner los frenillos?Have they told you when you're going to get braces?
- Sus dientes lucen perfectos desde que se puso los frenillos.Her teeth look perfect since she got braces.
- Ella tiene que llevar brackets.She has to wear braces.
- Mi hermano va a llevar brackets.My brother is going to wear braces.
- No quiero llevar brackets.I don't want to wear braces.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about dental appointments.
- Alejandro¿Vas a llevar brackets?Are you going to wear braces?
- MaríaSí, el dentista me recomendó llevar brackets.Yes, the dentist recommended I wear braces.
- AlejandroEs un proceso un poco lento.It is a bit of a slow process.
- MaríaLo sé, pero quiero tener dientes perfectos.I know, but I want to have perfect teeth.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries llevar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
