Inklingo

How to Say "pulmonary" in Spanish

English → Spanish

respiratorio

/rres-pee-rah-toh-ryoh//respiɾaˈtoɾjo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'respiratorio' when referring to the system or process of breathing, or anything generally related to the lungs' function in respiration.
A colorful illustration of a person taking a deep breath in a field of flowers, with light blue swirls representing fresh air entering their chest.

Examples

El sistema respiratorio nos permite obtener oxígeno.

The respiratory system allows us to get oxygen.

Ella tiene una alergia respiratoria durante la primavera.

She has a respiratory allergy during the spring.

Los médicos estudian las enfermedades respiratorias crónicas.

Doctors study chronic respiratory diseases.

Matching the Noun

Since this is a describing word, its ending must change to match the thing it describes. Use 'respiratorio' for masculine words (el sistema) and 'respiratoria' for feminine words (la vía).

Word Placement

In Spanish, this word almost always comes after the noun it describes, unlike in English where 'respiratory' comes before.

Describing the machine

Mistake: “El paciente necesita un respiratorio.”

Correction: El paciente necesita un respirador.

pulmonar

/pool-mo-NAR//pulmoˈnaɾ/

adjectiveB1medical/scientific
Use 'pulmonar' specifically when discussing medical conditions, scientific studies, or anatomical aspects directly concerning the lungs themselves.
A simple illustration of a pair of lungs inside a human silhouette.

Examples

El doctor revisó mi capacidad pulmonar.

The doctor checked my lung capacity.

Fumar causa muchas enfermedades pulmonares.

Smoking causes many lung diseases.

La arteria pulmonar es muy importante para el corazón.

The pulmonary artery is very important for the heart.

One Form for All

This word stays the same whether you are talking about a masculine or feminine thing. For example, 'el sistema pulmonar' (masculine) and 'la salud pulmonar' (feminine).

Word Order

In Spanish, words that describe things (adjectives) usually come after the person or thing they describe. You say 'examen pulmonar' (exam lung-related), not 'pulmonar examen'.

Changing the ending

Mistake: “La arteria pulmonara.”

Correction: La arteria pulmonar. Even if the noun is feminine (ending in -a), 'pulmonar' does not change to 'pulmonara'.

Pulmonar vs. Respiratorio

The most common mistake is using 'pulmonar' when 'respiratorio' is more appropriate for general breathing functions. Remember 'respiratorio' is about the act of breathing and the system, while 'pulmonar' is more technical and specific to the lungs as organs.

Related Translations

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