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

📅 Published: March 3, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

hígado

noun • /[EE-ga-do]/

liver

Example:

El hígado es un órgano muy importante.

The liver is a very important organ.

🧠 What does hígado mean?

The liver is a large, reddish-brown organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. It plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including detoxification, metabolism of nutrients, synthesis of proteins, and production of bile. In medical contexts, it refers to the specific organ responsible for these essential processes.

📚 Extra examples

  • El paciente necesita un trasplante de hígado.
    The patient needs a liver transplant.
  • La hepatitis es una inflamación del hígado.
    Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.
  • Se realizaron análisis para evaluar la función del hígado.
    Tests were performed to evaluate liver function.
  • El consumo excesivo de alcohol puede dañar el hígado.
    Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver.
  • El cirujano extirpó un tumor benigno del hígado.
    The surgeon removed a benign tumor from the liver.

💡 Did You Know?

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body, weighing approximately 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) in adults. It performs over 500 vital functions.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "hígado"

Synonyms: glande hepático

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'liver' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'liver' is hígado.
How do you pronounce 'hígado' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is EE-gah-doh. The 'h' is silent, and the stress is on the first syllable.
How do you use 'hígado' in a sentence?
'Hígado' is used similarly to 'liver' in English, referring to the organ. For example, 'El hígado es esencial para la digestión' (The liver is essential for digestion).
What is the English translation of 'hígado'?
The English translation of 'hígado' is 'liver'.
Does 'hígado' change for gender or number?
As a singular noun, 'hígado' does not change for gender. The plural form, 'hígados,' refers to multiple livers, which is uncommon in general conversation but might appear in specialized biological contexts.
Is 'hígado' common in everyday Spanish?
The word 'hígado' is commonly used in everyday Spanish, particularly in discussions related to health, diet, and cooking (when referring to animal livers as food).
Does 'hígado' have slang or double meanings?
While 'hígado' primarily refers to the organ, in some informal contexts, it might be used metaphorically to describe someone who is brave or has 'guts,' though this is not a standard or widespread slang usage and could be regional.
Is 'hígado' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning and usage of 'hígado' as the organ are consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional culinary traditions might influence how animal livers are referred to as food, but the anatomical term remains the same.

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