Inklingo

How to Say "tissue" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tissue” is “pañuelo” — use this word for a disposable paper handkerchief, often used for blowing your nose. For extra clarity, you can say 'pañuelo de papel'..

English → Spanish

pañuelo

pah-NYWEH-loh/paˈɲwelo/

nounA1common
Use this word for a disposable paper handkerchief, often used for blowing your nose. For extra clarity, you can say 'pañuelo de papel'.
A neatly folded white square cloth handkerchief with a simple, thin blue border.

Examples

Necesito un pañuelo, por favor. Mi nariz está goteando.

I need a tissue, please. My nose is running.

Necesito un pañuelo, tengo un resfriado muy fuerte.

I need a handkerchief; I have a very bad cold.

Siempre llevo un pañuelo limpio en el bolsillo de mi chaqueta.

I always carry a clean handkerchief in my jacket pocket.

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'pañuelo' is a masculine noun, so use 'el pañuelo' or 'un pañuelo'.

tejido

/te-JI-do//teˈxiðo/

nounB2formal/scientific
Use this word when referring to biological tissue, such as muscle, skin, or nerve cells.
A highly magnified, simplified illustration showing colorful biological cells forming a uniform, interconnected structure, representing tissue.

Examples

El médico examinó el tejido dañado para determinar la causa.

The doctor examined the damaged tissue to determine the cause.

El daño al tejido nervioso puede ser permanente.

Damage to the nerve tissue can be permanent.

El corazón es un órgano compuesto por varios tipos de tejido.

The heart is an organ composed of several types of tissue.

Scientific Context

This meaning is used when discussing biology or medicine. Think of 'tejido' as the fundamental building blocks of the body.

Paper vs. Biological Tissue

The most common mistake is using 'pañuelo' to refer to biological tissue, or 'tejido' for a paper handkerchief. Remember: 'pañuelo' is for your nose, 'tejido' is for biology.

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