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How to Say "vial" in Spanish

English → Spanish

frasco

FRAS-koˈfɾasko

nounA2general
Use 'frasco' for a small glass jar, often used for food items like jam or preserves, or generally for small containers.
A clear glass jar filled with colorful fruit preserves on a wooden table.

Examples

Necesito un frasco de vidrio para la mermelada.

I need a glass jar for the jam.

Ella guarda su perfume en un frasco muy bonito.

She keeps her perfume in a very pretty bottle.

El científico llenó el frasco con el líquido azul.

The scientist filled the flask with the blue liquid.

Masculine Noun

This word is masculine, so you should always use 'el' or 'un' with it (el frasco, un frasco).

Frasco vs. Botella

Mistake: “Using 'botella' for a jar of jam.”

Correction: Use 'frasco' or 'tarro'. A 'botella' is specifically a bottle with a narrow neck, usually for drinks like water or wine.

vial

bee-AHLbjal

nounC1medical/technical
Use 'vial' specifically for a small glass bottle containing medicine or other liquids, typically used in medical or laboratory settings.
A small clear glass vial with a blue cap sitting on a white surface.

Examples

El enfermero sacó el medicamento del vial.

The nurse took the medicine out of the vial.

Cada vial contiene cinco dosis de la vacuna.

Each vial contains five doses of the vaccine.

Se debe agitar el vial antes de usarlo.

The vial must be shaken before use.

It's Masculine

When referring to the container, it's always 'el vial'. To make it plural, just add '-es': 'los viales'.

Not for drinking

Mistake: “Compré un vial de agua.”

Correction: Compré una botella de agua.

Frasco vs. Vial

Learners often confuse 'frasco' and 'vial' because both refer to small containers. Remember that 'frasco' is more general and often for food, while 'vial' is specific to medicine or lab use.

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