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How to Say "emergencies" in Spanish

English → Spanish

emergencias

eh-mehr-HEHN-see-ahs/e.meɾˈxen.sjas/

nounA1general
Use 'emergencias' when referring to critical, often unexpected situations that require immediate attention, especially those involving danger or medical issues.
A bright red ambulance and a fire truck speeding down a road with flashing lights, representing multiple urgent emergencies.

Examples

Hubo varias emergencias médicas durante el concierto.

There were several medical emergencies during the concert.

En caso de emergencias, llame al número de ayuda.

In case of emergencies, call the help number.

Always Feminine Plural

This word is always used with feminine plural articles and adjectives (las emergencias, unas emergencias serias).

Using the Singular for Services

Mistake: “Fui a la emergencia del hospital.”

Correction: Fui a emergencias del hospital. (When referring to the department, the plural is common and feels more natural.)

urgencias

/oor-HEN-see-as//uɾˈxen.sjas/

nounB1general
Use 'urgencias' for general urgent matters or pressing tasks that need to be dealt with quickly, often in a professional or administrative context.
A simple wooden desk with a stack of papers. One paper on top is glowing bright red and has steam rising from it, visually symbolizing an urgent matter that needs immediate attention.

Examples

El gerente tiene que solucionar las urgencias antes de la reunión.

The manager has to sort out the urgent matters before the meeting.

Las urgencias del país requieren atención inmediata.

The country's emergencies require immediate attention.

Plural for Collection

In this sense, using the plural 'urgencias' implies a collection or list of things that are urgent, rather than just the abstract quality of 'urgency' (which is 'la urgencia').

Emergencias vs. Urgencias

The most common mistake is using 'urgencias' for serious, critical situations like medical crises. Remember that 'emergencias' is the term for these life-threatening events, while 'urgencias' is for urgent but less critical tasks.

Related Translations

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