How to Say "drain" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “drain” is “desagüe” — use this word for the hole or pipe where water exits from sinks, bathtubs, or showers..
desagüe
Examples
El desagüe de la ducha está bloqueado.
The shower drain is blocked.
alcantarilla
/al-kan-ta-ree-ya//alkantaˈɾiʝa/
Examples
Cuidado con la alcantarilla abierta en la esquina.
Be careful with the open drain on the corner.
Ten cuidado, no dejes caer las llaves por la alcantarilla.
Be careful, don't drop your keys down the drain.
El agua de la lluvia fluye rápidamente hacia la alcantarilla.
The rainwater flows quickly toward the sewer.
Los trabajadores están limpiando la alcantarilla para evitar inundaciones.
The workers are cleaning the drain to prevent flooding.
Gender Check
This word is feminine, so always use 'la' or 'una'. For example: 'la alcantarilla' (the drain).
Using 'por' for movement
When something falls or moves through a drain, use the word 'por'. Example: 'El agua pasa por la alcantarilla' (The water goes through the drain).
Alcantarilla vs. Drenaje
Mistake: “Using 'el alcantarilla' instead of 'el drenaje' for general drainage.”
Correction: Use 'la alcantarilla' for the specific street structure, and 'el drenaje' for the general concept of plumbing or drainage systems.
drenaje
/dre-NAH-heh//dɾeˈnaxe/
Examples
El paciente tiene un drenaje en la herida.
The patient has a drain in the wound.
El médico le puso un drenaje después de la operación.
The doctor put in a drain after the operation.
El drenaje linfático es bueno para reducir la hinchazón.
Lymphatic drainage is good for reducing swelling.
La herida necesita un drenaje constante.
The wound needs constant drainage.
Abstract and Concrete
This word can mean the physical tube (the thing) or the process of fluid leaving (the action).
Don't confuse with 'drenar'
Mistake: “Yo drenaje la herida.”
Correction: Say 'Yo dreno la herida' or 'Hago el drenaje'. Drenaje is the thing, drenar is the action.
hemorragia
eh-moh-RRAH-hee-ah/emoˈrraxja/
Examples
La empresa sufrió una hemorragia de clientes.
The company suffered a drain of customers.
La crisis económica provocó una hemorragia de capitales hacia el extranjero.
The economic crisis caused a massive outflow of capital abroad.
El departamento sufrió una hemorragia de talento cuando los mejores ingenieros renunciaron.
The department suffered a drain of talent when the best engineers resigned.
Figurative Use
Just like in English, 'hemorragia' can be used metaphorically to describe any huge, uncontrollable stream of loss—not just blood, but money, people, or resources.
ladrón
Examples
Este juego es un ladrón de tiempo y batería.
This game is a drain on time and battery.
Plumbing vs. Street Openings
Related Translations
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