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

📅 Published: January 16, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

frecuencia

noun • /[fre-CWEN-sya]/

rate

Example:

La frecuencia cardíaca está alta.

The heart rate is high.

🧠 What does frecuencia mean?

Frecuencia is a feminine noun that primarily means 'frequency', referring to the number of times an event or action is repeated within a specific period. In medical and scientific contexts, it is often used to mean 'rate'. For example, 'frecuencia cardíaca' is 'heart rate', and 'frecuencia respiratoria' is 'respiratory rate'. Beyond technical use, it is also common in everyday language, especially in the adverbial phrase 'con frecuencia', which means 'frequently' or 'often'.

📚 Extra examples

  • El médico le tomó la frecuencia cardíaca al paciente.
    The doctor took the patient's heart rate.
  • La frecuencia de los trenes disminuye por la noche.
    The frequency of the trains decreases at night.
  • Hago ejercicio con bastante frecuencia para mantenerme en forma.
    I exercise quite frequently to stay in shape.
  • Es importante monitorear la frecuencia respiratoria en niños pequeños.
    It's important to monitor the respiratory rate in small children.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'frecuencia' is highly versatile. It can refer to a measurable rate like a pulse ('frecuencia cardíaca'), the regularity of an action ('visito el gimnasio con frecuencia'), and even the specific broadcast signal for a radio station ('la frecuencia 98.5 FM').

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "frecuencia"

Synonyms: periodicidad, asiduidad, ritmo, cadencia
Opposites: infrecuencia, rareza

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'rate' in Spanish?
While 'frecuencia' is used for 'rate' in medical contexts like 'frecuencia cardíaca' (heart rate), the more general word for 'rate' can be 'tasa' (e.g., 'tasa de interés' for interest rate) or 'ritmo' (pace, rhythm).
How do you pronounce 'frecuencia' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is 'freh-KWEN-syah'. The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable, '-cuen-'.
How do you use 'frecuencia' in a sentence?
An example is: 'La enfermera anotó la frecuencia de las contracciones.' This translates to 'The nurse noted the frequency of the contractions.'
What is the English translation of 'frecuencia'?
The primary English translation is 'frequency'. In specific contexts, particularly medical ones, it is translated as 'rate'.
Does 'frecuencia' change for gender or number?
'Frecuencia' is a feminine noun, so it uses the articles 'la' or 'una'. The plural form is 'frecuencias' (e.g., 'las frecuencias de radio').
Is 'frecuencia' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is very common, both in technical contexts (medicine, physics) and in everyday conversation, especially in the phrase 'con frecuencia', meaning 'frequently'.
Does 'frecuencia' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'frecuencia' does not have common slang meanings. Its use is consistent and generally formal or neutral.
Is 'frecuencia' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the word 'frecuencia' is used with the same meaning and in the same contexts throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

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