How to Say "capsule" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “capsule” is “cápsula” — use 'cápsula' when referring to a capsule of medicine, a small container for something (like a time capsule), or in scientific or technical contexts..
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cápsula
nounA2general
Use 'cápsula' when referring to a capsule of medicine, a small container for something (like a time capsule), or in scientific or technical contexts.
Examples
El doctor me recetó unas cápsulas para el dolor.
The doctor prescribed me some capsules for the pain.
cápsula
nounB1general
Use 'cápsula' specifically for a sealed container holding items for the future, like a time capsule.
Examples
Enterramos una cápsula del tiempo en el jardín.
We buried a time capsule in the garden.
píldora
nounA2general
Use 'píldora' when referring to a single, usually small and round, pill or tablet of medicine.
Examples
El médico me dijo que tomara una píldora después de cenar.
The doctor told me to take a pill after dinner.
Medicine vs. Container
Learners often confuse 'cápsula' and 'píldora' when talking about medicine. Remember that 'cápsula' can refer to the gelatinous casing, while 'píldora' specifically means a pill or tablet, often round.
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