Inklingo

How to Say "discharge" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alta

/al-tah//ˈal.ta/

nounB1
Use 'alta' when referring to the official release or discharge from a hospital, clinic, or similar institution.
A smiling person carrying a small bag, walking away from the front doors of a large, welcoming building, symbolizing being discharged.

Examples

El doctor finalmente me dio el alta.

The doctor finally gave me my discharge.

Para cancelar, primero tienes que tramitar el alta en el sistema.

To cancel, you first have to process the registration in the system.

Mi compañera está de alta por maternidad.

My colleague is on maternity leave.

Why 'el alta'?

Even though 'alta' is a feminine word, we say 'el alta' instead of 'la alta'. This is a special rule in Spanish to make it sound better and avoid two 'a' sounds together ('la alta'). It's the same reason we say 'el agua' (water).

Using 'la' instead of 'el'

Mistake: “Estoy esperando la alta del médico.”

Correction: Estoy esperando el alta del médico. Remember the special sound rule: use 'el' right before 'alta' when it's a noun.

descarga

/des-KAR-gah//desˈkaɾɣa/

nounB1
Use 'descarga' for the act of unloading goods from a vehicle like a ship or truck, or for an electrical or chemical discharge (like a shock or a battery's output).
A worker moving large wooden boxes off the back of a truck onto the ground.

Examples

La zona de descarga está bloqueada por un camión.

The unloading zone is blocked by a truck.

Los obreros comenzaron la descarga del cemento.

The workers began unloading the cement.

Recibió una descarga eléctrica al tocar el cable suelto.

He received an electric shock when he touched the loose wire.

Llorar fue una gran descarga emocional para ella.

Crying was a great emotional release for her.

Compound Nouns

Often paired with 'carga' (loading) to describe logistics areas: 'carga y descarga'.

flujo

FLOO-hoh/ˈflu.xo/

nounB1medical/neutral
Use 'flujo' specifically for a medical or biological secretion or discharge, such as bodily fluids.
A single, large, clear teardrop visible on a simplified human cheek, illustrating biological secretion.

Examples

La doctora preguntó sobre la naturaleza del flujo.

The doctor asked about the nature of the discharge.

Ella toma nota de su flujo menstrual cada mes.

She notes her menstrual flow every month.

Confusing 'descarga' and 'flujo'

Learners often confuse 'descarga' and 'flujo' when referring to bodily secretions. Remember that 'flujo' is the correct term for medical or biological discharge, while 'descarga' is typically used for unloading or electrical/chemical events.

Related Translations

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