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

📅 Published: February 26, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

drenaje

noun • /[dre-NA-he]/

drainage

Example:

Hay drenaje en la herida.

There’s drainage from the wound.

🧠 What does drenaje mean?

Drenaje is a masculine noun that refers to the process or system of drawing away fluid. In a medical context, it is the removal of liquids like pus, blood, or other fluids from a body cavity, wound, or infected area. More broadly, it refers to the system for draining water or waste liquids, such as a city's sewage system or the water management system for a field.

📚 Extra examples

  • El cirujano colocó un drenaje en la herida para evitar la acumulación de líquido.
    The surgeon placed a drain in the wound to prevent fluid accumulation.
  • El mal drenaje de la calle provoca inundaciones cada vez que llueve mucho.
    The poor drainage on the street causes flooding every time it rains heavily.
  • La enfermera está monitoreando el drenaje postoperatorio del paciente.
    The nurse is monitoring the patient's postoperative drainage.
  • La corrupción es un drenaje constante para la economía del país.
    Corruption is a constant drain on the country's economy.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'drenaje' is a clear cognate of the English 'drainage', both originating from the same root. This makes it relatively easy for English speakers to recognize. Its application is quite broad, covering everything from complex surgical procedures (drenaje quirúrgico) to large-scale civil engineering projects (sistema de drenaje pluvial).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "drenaje"

Synonyms: desagüe, evacuación, canalización, saneamiento
Opposites: acumulación, obstrucción, estancamiento, inundación

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'drainage' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'drainage' is 'drenaje'.
How do you pronounce 'drenaje' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is dre-NA-je. The 'j' sound is similar to the 'h' in 'hello' but more guttural, produced at the back of the throat.
How do you use 'drenaje' in a sentence?
An example sentence is: 'El médico revisó el drenaje de la herida para asegurarse de que no había infección.' This means, 'The doctor checked the wound drainage to make sure there was no infection.'
What is the English translation of 'drenaje'?
The English translation of 'drenaje' is 'drainage'.
Does 'drenaje' change for gender or number?
'Drenaje' is a masculine noun, so it uses masculine articles like 'el' or 'un'. It does not change for gender. Its plural form is 'drenajes'.
Is 'drenaje' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is common, particularly in technical contexts like medicine, construction, and plumbing. It is also understood in its general sense related to draining water.
Does 'drenaje' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'drenaje' does not have common slang meanings. Its use is quite literal, referring to the removal or channeling of liquid, though it can be used figuratively to mean a drain on resources.
Is 'drenaje' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word 'drenaje' and its meaning are consistent across the Spanish-speaking world, with no significant regional variations.

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