Inklingo

How to Say "bruise" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cardenal

kar-deh-NALLkaɾ.ðeˈnal

nounB2general
Use this term for a visible bruise or contusion, especially one that is dark in color, resulting from a physical impact.
A close-up illustration of a purple, blue, and yellow bruise (contusion) visible on light-toned human skin.

Examples

Me caí y ahora tengo un cardenal grande en la pierna.

I fell and now I have a big bruise on my leg.

El golpe le dejó un cardenal morado.

The hit left him a purple bruise.

Color Connection

This meaning comes from the deep reddish-purple color associated with both the church official's robes and the bird, which is similar to the color of a fresh bruise.

contusión

nounB2general/medical
This is a more formal or medical term for a bruise, specifically referring to an injury where the skin is not broken.

Examples

El jugador se retiró del campo con una contusión en la rodilla.

The player left the field with a bruise on his knee.

morado

mo-rah-dohmoˈɾaðo

nounA2informal
Use this informal term to describe a bruise, emphasizing its purplish or dark discoloration on the skin.
A close-up of a small purple and blue mark on a person's forearm.

Examples

Me salió un morado en el brazo después de la caída.

I got a bruise on my arm after the fall.

Tienes un morado muy grande en la pierna.

You have a very big bruise on your leg.

El golpe fue fuerte, pero el morado ya está desapareciendo.

The hit was hard, but the bruise is already disappearing.

Using 'tener' vs 'haber'

Use 'tener un morado' to say you have a bruise, and 'me salió un morado' to say one appeared on you.

Confusing with 'moreno'

Mistake: “Saying 'tengo un moreno' to mean a bruise.”

Correction: 'Moreno' refers to a tan or dark hair; use 'morado' for a bruise.

moretón

nounA2informal
This is a common, informal word for a bruise, often used for the dark mark that appears after a bump or hit.

Examples

Me salió un moretón en el brazo.

I got a bruise on my arm.

Informal vs. Formal Terms

Learners often confuse 'cardenal', 'morado', and 'moretón' with the more formal 'contusión'. While the first three are common for everyday bruises, 'contusión' is typically used in medical contexts or when emphasizing that the skin is intact.

Related Translations

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