glóbulos blancos
/ɡlobulos blankos/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'white blood cells' is translated into Spanish as glóbulos blancos.
This phrase refers to the cells of the immune system that protect the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of glóbulos, meaning globules or spheres and blancos, meaning white.
Which one should you use?
While glóbulos blancos is the standard way to say 'white blood cells', some medical professionals, particularly in Spain and certain European countries, use the term Los leucocitos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term Los leucocitos is used by some medical professionals in Spain and certain European countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is glóbulo blanco.
Did you know?
- When a person has a low white blood cell count, Spanish speakers often use the colloquial phrase tener las defensas bajas, which means 'to have the defenses low'.
- In Spanish, the word blanco is not only a color but also a noun meaning 'target'. This creates a linguistic quirk where blancos can refer to both white cells and targets depending on the context.
- While English speakers often switch from 'cells' to 'globules' in different contexts, Spanish maintains a consistent morphological pattern by using glóbulos for both red and white cells.
Examples in context
- El recuento de los glóbulos blancos es alto.The white blood cell count is high.
- En esta región utilizamos el término los leucocitos en lugar de los glóbulos blancos.In this region, we use the term 'leucocitos' instead of 'glóbulos blancos'.
- Los glóbulos blancos ayudan a combatir infecciones.White blood cells help fight infections.
- El análisis mostró que tengo pocos glóbulos blancos.The analysis showed that I have few white blood cells.
- Los glóbulos blancos son parte del sistema inmunitario.White blood cells are part of the immune system.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about a recent blood test result.
- Daniel¿Qué te dijo el médico sobre tus glóbulos blancos?What did the doctor tell you about your white blood cells?
- ElenaDijo que mis glóbulos blancos están un poco bajos.He said my white blood cells are a little low.
- DanielNo te preocupes, Elena, seguro te sentirás mejor pronto.Don't worry, Elena, I'm sure you will feel better soon.
- ElenaGracias por tu apoyo, Daniel.Thanks for your support, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
