Inklingo

How to Say "brain" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cerebro

/seh-REH-broh//seˈɾe.βɾo/

NounA2General
Use 'cerebro' when referring to the physical organ inside the head, the center of the nervous system.
A detailed, stylized illustration of a human brain organ, colored in pink and grey, emphasizing its complex structure.

Examples

El cerebro humano es un órgano muy complejo.

The human brain is a very complex organ.

Es importante proteger el cerebro usando un casco al andar en bicicleta.

It's important to protect the brain by wearing a helmet when riding a bike.

It's a 'He' Word (Masculine)

'Cerebro' is a masculine noun because it ends in '-o'. This means you'll always use 'el' or 'un' with it. For example, 'el cerebro' (the brain).

cerebral

seh-reh-BRAHL/θeɾeˈβɾal/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'cerebral' as an adjective, usually before a noun, to describe something related to the brain, like 'brain damage' or 'cerebral activity'.
A simple, colorful illustration showing a human head outline in profile with a large, detailed brain visible inside.

Examples

El paciente sufrió daño cerebral tras el accidente.

The patient suffered cerebral damage (brain damage) after the accident.

La corteza cerebral es la parte exterior del cerebro.

The cerebral cortex is the outer part of the brain.

Adjective Agreement

Like many Spanish adjectives ending in -l, 'cerebral' has the same form whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., daño cerebral (m) and actividad cerebral (f)). You only need to change it for plural: cerebrales.

Noun vs. Adjective Usage

The most common mistake is using the noun 'cerebro' where the adjective 'cerebral' is needed, or vice versa. Remember that 'cerebro' is the thing itself (the organ), while 'cerebral' describes something connected to it.

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