Inklingo

How to Say "ward" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forwardis alause 'ala' to refer to a general section or wing of a building, not exclusively a hospital. It can also apply to other large structures like libraries or airports.

ala🔊B1

Use 'ala' to refer to a general section or wing of a building, not exclusively a hospital. It can also apply to other large structures like libraries or airports.

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sala🔊B1

Use 'sala' when referring to a specific room or section within a hospital, especially one dedicated to a particular function like maternity or a specific number.

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pabellónB2

Use 'pabellón' specifically for a hospital wing, often referring to a distinct building or a large, specialized section within a hospital complex.

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protegido🔊B1

Use 'protegido' to refer to a male person, often a young one, who is under the legal care or patronage of another, like a protégé.

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pupila🔊C1

Use 'pupila' exclusively for a female minor who is under legal guardianship or protection.

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English → Spanish

ala

ah-lahˈala

nounB1general
Use 'ala' to refer to a general section or wing of a building, not exclusively a hospital. It can also apply to other large structures like libraries or airports.
A simplified, colorful drawing of a large building with a clearly defined side section extending outwards, representing the wing of the structure.

Examples

Tuvimos que ir a la nueva ala de la biblioteca.

We had to go to the new wing of the library.

El hospital inauguró el ala de pediatría el mes pasado.

The hospital inaugurated the pediatrics wing last month.

sala

SAH-lahˈsala

nounB1medical
Use 'sala' when referring to a specific room or section within a hospital, especially one dedicated to a particular function like maternity or a specific number.
A clean, orderly public waiting room with several rows of connected chairs and a closed door.

Examples

La conferencia será en la sala número cinco.

The conference will be in room number five.

Compramos boletos para la sala de conciertos.

We bought tickets for the concert hall.

El paciente fue trasladado a la sala de urgencias.

The patient was moved to the emergency room/ward.

pabellón

nounB2medical
Use 'pabellón' specifically for a hospital wing, often referring to a distinct building or a large, specialized section within a hospital complex.

Examples

Mi abuelo está ingresado en el pabellón de cardiología.

My grandfather is admitted to the cardiology ward.

protegido

proh-teh-HEE-dohpɾoteˈxiðo

nounB1legal/general
Use 'protegido' to refer to a male person, often a young one, who is under the legal care or patronage of another, like a protégé.
A wise, older mentor figure gently places a hand on the shoulder of a younger person while both look intently at a large, open book on a table.

Examples

El joven artista era el protegido de la famosa escultora.

The young artist was the protégé of the famous sculptress.

El director siempre defendía a su protegido en las reuniones.

The director always defended his ward (or protégé) in the meetings.

Feminine Form

The feminine form of the noun is 'la protegida' (the female protégé or ward). The meaning remains the same, only the gender changes.

pupila

poo-PEE-lahpuˈpila

nounC1legal
Use 'pupila' exclusively for a female minor who is under legal guardianship or protection.
An illustration of a young girl holding the hand of a kind adult guardian.

Examples

La joven pupila quedó bajo la protección de su tío.

The young ward remained under her uncle's protection.

Había tres pupilas nuevas en la casa de huéspedes.

There were three new female boarders in the guest house.

El tutor debe velar por los bienes de su pupila.

The guardian must look after his ward's assets.

Gender Change for People

When referring to a person, use 'la pupila' for a female and 'el pupilo' for a male.

Hospital Wards vs. Legal Guardianship

The most common mistake is confusing the terms for building sections with those for people. 'Ala', 'sala', and 'pabellón' all refer to parts of buildings, primarily hospitals, while 'protegido' and 'pupila' refer to individuals under care. Always distinguish between physical spaces and people.

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