latido
“latido” means “heartbeat” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
heartbeat
Also: beat
📝 In Action
Puedo sentir el latido de mi corazón.
A1I can feel my heartbeat.
El médico escuchó un latido irregular.
A2The doctor heard an irregular heartbeat.
Su latido se aceleró cuando vio la sorpresa.
B1Their heartbeat speeded up when they saw the surprise.
throb
Also: pulsation
📝 In Action
Siento un latido constante en mi dedo después del golpe.
B1I feel a constant throb in my finger after the hit.
El latido en mi sien indica que me va a doler la cabeza.
B2The throb in my temple indicates I'm going to have a headache.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: latido
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the most common meaning of 'el latido'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the verb 'latir,' which comes from the Latin word 'glattire,' originally meaning to yelp or bark. Over time, the meaning shifted from a dog's sharp bark to the sharp, rhythmic thump of a heart.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pulso' and 'latido'?
'Latido' is the actual mechanical movement or sound of the heart. 'Pulso' (pulse) is what you feel at your wrist or neck as a result of that heartbeat.
Can 'latido' mean a 'hunch' or 'intuition'?
While 'corazonada' is much more common for a 'hunch,' poets sometimes use 'latido' to mean an intuitive feeling from the heart.
Is 'latido' related to a whip (látigo)?
Surprisingly, no! Even though they look similar, 'latido' comes from a word meaning to bark/thump, while 'látigo' has different Germanic roots.