Translating the word “swab” into Spanish isn’t straightforward. It can mean different things depending on whether you’re referring to the noun (the physical tool) or the verb (the action of using it). Let’s break it down:
1. Swab as a Noun
In Spanish, the word for “swab” varies based on the type:
- Cotonete or Hisopo: These terms are commonly used for a Q-tip or a small stick with cotton at the end.
- Example:
- “El médico usará un hisopo para tomar la muestra.”
- (The doctor will use a swab to take the sample.)
- “Necesito un cotonete para limpiar mi oído.”
- (I need a Q-tip to clean my ear.)
- “El médico usará un hisopo para tomar la muestra.”
- Example:
- Torunda: Refers to an absorbent pad used for medical purposes, such as cleaning or dressing wounds.
- Example:
- “Colocaron una torunda en la herida para detener el sangrado.”
- (They placed an absorbent pad on the wound to stop the bleeding.)
- “Colocaron una torunda en la herida para detener el sangrado.”
- Example:
2. Swab as a Verb
In English, “to swab” can mean either taking a sample or cleaning. Each action has a distinct translation in Spanish:
- Sacar una muestra: Use this when referring to taking a medical sample.
- Example:
- “Vamos a sacar una muestra de su garganta con un hisopo.”
- (We are going to take a sample from your throat with a swab.)
- “Vamos a sacar una muestra de su garganta con un hisopo.”
- Example:
- Limpiar: Use this when referring to cleaning a surface or wound.
- Example:
- “El enfermero limpiará la zona antes de la inyección.”
- (The nurse will clean the area before the injection.)
- “El enfermero limpiará la zona antes de la inyección.”
- Example:
3. Special Cases: Vaginal Swab
For procedures like a vaginal swab, Spanish often uses the term frotis, which refers specifically to a smear or sample taken for analysis.
- Example:
- “El ginecólogo realizará un frotis vaginal para el examen.”
- (The gynecologist will perform a vaginal swab for the test.)
- “El ginecólogo realizará un frotis vaginal para el examen.”
Summary of Terms
| English | Spanish | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Swab (Q-tip) | Hisopo / Cotonete | Small stick with cotton for cleaning or sampling. |
| Swab (absorbent pad) | Torunda | Used for medical cleaning or dressing wounds. |
| To swab (take sample) | Sacar una muestra | Medical sampling, e.g., throat swab. |
| To swab (clean) | Limpiar | Cleaning wounds or surfaces. |
| Vaginal swab | Frotis | Specifically for gynecological procedures. |
Key Examples in Context
- “Por favor, abra la boca. Voy a usar un hisopo para sacar una muestra.”
- (Please open your mouth. I’m going to use a swab to take a sample.)
- “El técnico usó una torunda para limpiar la piel antes de insertar la aguja.”
- (The technician used an absorbent pad to clean the skin before inserting the needle.)
- “El frotis vaginal es importante para detectar infecciones o cambios celulares.”
- (The vaginal swab is important to detect infections or cellular changes.)
- “¿Puedes darme un cotonete? Necesito limpiar una mancha de tinta.”
- (Can you give me a Q-tip? I need to clean an ink stain.)
Understanding the different ways to say “swab” in Spanish is essential for effective communication, especially in medical contexts. Whether you’re referring to a Q-tip, an absorbent pad, or the actions of taking a sample or cleaning, the correct term ensures clarity and accuracy.
