pastillas
/pah-STEE-yahs/
pills
Pastillas, meaning 'pills' (medication).
📝 In Action
Tengo que tomar dos pastillas después de cada comida.
A1I have to take two pills after every meal.
¿Dónde guardas las pastillas para el dolor de cabeza?
A2Where do you keep the headache tablets?
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural in Context
Even if you are talking about medication in general, you usually use the plural 'pastillas' instead of the singular 'pastilla'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Pastilla' and 'Píldora'
Mistake: "Using 'píldora' for general medication."
Correction: While 'píldora' means 'pill,' 'pastilla' is far more common for all types of tablets and capsules. Save 'píldora' for contraceptive pills.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for Medicine
If you are in a pharmacy, you can simply ask for 'unas pastillas para...' (some pills for...) followed by the ailment (e.g., 'el resfriado' - the cold).
Pastillas, meaning 'lozenge' (for coughs or sore throats).
📝 In Action
Las pastillas de miel y limón me ayudan con la tos.
B1The honey and lemon lozenges help me with my cough.
Siempre llevo pastillas de menta en el bolsillo.
B1I always carry mints in my pocket.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are talking about sweets, add a descriptive word like 'de menta' (mint) or 'para la garganta' (for the throat) to make it clear you don't mean medicine.
Pastillas, meaning 'brake pads' (automotive).
📝 In Action
El mecánico dijo que necesito cambiar las pastillas de freno.
B2The mechanic said I need to change the brake pads.
Las pastillas de mi bicicleta hacen mucho ruido.
C1The brake pads on my bicycle make a lot of noise.
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Phrase
This meaning almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'pastillas de freno' (brake pads).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pastillas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pastillas' in its most common, everyday meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pastillas' feminine or masculine?
'Pastillas' is a feminine plural noun. You must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'las pastillas', 'pastillas buenas').
Can I use 'píldora' instead of 'pastilla'?
Yes, but 'pastilla' is much more general and common for all types of tablets. 'Píldora' is often specifically used for birth control pills, though sometimes it's used generally.