oxígeno
ok-SEE-heh-no
📝 In Action
Necesitamos oxígeno para poder respirar y vivir.
A1We need oxygen to be able to breathe and live.
El buceador llevaba un tanque lleno de oxígeno comprimido.
A2The diver was carrying a tank full of compressed oxygen.
Después de tanto encierro, salir al campo fue como recibir una dosis de oxígeno.
B1After being shut in for so long, going out to the countryside was like receiving a dose of oxygen (a breath of fresh air).
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though many Spanish words ending in '-a' are feminine, words ending in '-o' are almost always masculine, like 'el oxígeno'.
Elements are Masculine
All chemical elements (like hydrogen, gold, or oxygen) are treated as masculine nouns in Spanish.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Oxígeno and Aire
Mistake: "Usando 'oxígeno' para referirse a la atmósfera normal (e.g., 'El oxígeno está fresco')."
Correction: Use 'aire' when talking about the general atmosphere or weather ('El aire está fresco'). 'Oxígeno' refers specifically to the chemical gas.
⭐ Usage Tips
Literal vs. Figurative
Use 'oxígeno' literally when talking about breathing or chemistry. Use it figuratively to mean something essential that revitalizes you, like 'a breath of fresh air'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: oxígeno
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'oxígeno'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'oxígeno' related to 'ácido' (acid)?
Yes, historically! The word 'oxígeno' was created from Greek roots meaning 'acid-former' because scientists first thought it was necessary for all acids. We now know that's not true, but the name stuck.
How do I remember the gender of 'oxígeno'?
Since 'oxígeno' ends in -o, it follows the most common Spanish pattern: it is masculine (el oxígeno). This rule holds true for almost all chemical elements.