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aguja means needle — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 18, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

aguja

noun • /[a-GOO-ha]/

needle

Example:

La aguja es muy fina.

The needle is very thin.

🧠 What does aguja mean?

The Spanish word 'aguja' translates to 'needle' in English. In a medical context, it specifically refers to the sharp, pointed instrument used for injections, drawing blood, suturing, or other medical procedures. It is a crucial component in many diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

📚 Extra examples

  • La enfermera preparó la jeringa con la aguja para la inyección.
    The nurse prepared the syringe with the needle for the injection.
  • Se necesita una aguja estéril para extraer sangre.
    A sterile needle is needed to draw blood.
  • El cirujano usó una aguja fina para suturar la herida.
    The surgeon used a fine needle to suture the wound.
  • Por favor, descarte la aguja usada en el contenedor especial.
    Please discard the used needle in the special container.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'aguja' comes from the Latin word 'acus', which also means 'needle'. This root is shared with English words like 'acute' and 'acupuncture'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "aguja"

Synonyms: púa, punzón

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'needle' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'needle' is 'aguja'.
How do you pronounce 'aguja' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'aguja' is roughly ah-GOO-hah. The 'g' is a soft guttural sound, similar to the 'h' in 'huge' but made further back in the throat.
How do you use 'aguja' in a sentence?
An example sentence is: 'La doctora utiliza una aguja para la biopsia.' (The doctor uses a needle for the biopsy.)
What is the English translation of 'aguja'?
The English translation of 'aguja' is 'needle'.
Does 'aguja' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'aguja' is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'agujas'.
Is 'aguja' common in everyday Spanish?
While 'aguja' can be used for sewing needles, its primary and most common usage in everyday Spanish, especially in healthcare settings, refers to medical needles.
Does 'aguja' have slang or double meanings?
Beyond its literal meaning and common medical usage, 'aguja' can sometimes refer to a pointed object or a thin, sharp part, such as the 'aguja del reloj' (hand of a clock) or 'aguja de pino' (pine needle). It is not typically associated with strong slang or offensive double meanings in general conversation.
Is 'aguja' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'aguja' are consistent across Spain and Latin America, particularly in its medical and general 'needle' sense. Regional variations might exist for less common figurative uses.

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