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

📅 Published: January 8, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

marcapasos

noun • /[mar-ka-PA-sos]/

pacemaker

Example:

Le colocaron un marcapasos.

They implanted a pacemaker.

🧠 What does marcapasos mean?

A 'marcapasos' is a small electronic device implanted in the body to help regulate the heart's rhythm. It functions by sending electrical impulses to the heart to stimulate it to beat at a normal rate, especially when the natural rhythm is too slow or irregular. The word is a compound of 'marca' (marks, sets) and 'pasos' (paces, steps), literally meaning 'pace-setter'.

📚 Extra examples

  • Mi abuelo tiene un marcapasos desde hace diez años y se siente mucho mejor.
    My grandfather has had a pacemaker for ten years and feels much better.
  • La cirugía para implantar el marcapasos es relativamente sencilla y segura.
    The surgery to implant the pacemaker is relatively simple and safe.
  • El médico revisó el funcionamiento del marcapasos durante la consulta.
    The doctor checked the functioning of the pacemaker during the appointment.
  • Gracias al marcapasos, su corazón ahora late a un ritmo constante.
    Thanks to the pacemaker, his heart now beats at a steady rhythm.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'marcapasos' is a compound noun formed from the verb 'marcar' (to mark, to set) and the noun 'pasos' (steps, pace). It literally means 'pace-setter,' which perfectly describes its function of setting the pace for the heart's rhythm.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "marcapasos"

Synonyms: estimulador cardíaco

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'pacemaker' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'pacemaker' is 'marcapasos'.
How do you pronounce 'marcapasos' in Spanish?
The word 'marcapasos' is pronounced mar-ca-PA-sos. The stress falls on the third syllable, 'pa'.
How do you use 'marcapasos' in a sentence?
For example, you could say: 'El cardiólogo recomendó un marcapasos para regular su frecuencia cardíaca.' (The cardiologist recommended a pacemaker to regulate his heart rate.)
What is the English translation of 'marcapasos'?
'Marcapasos' translates to 'pacemaker' in English.
Does 'marcapasos' change for gender or number?
The word 'marcapasos' is a masculine noun: 'el marcapasos'. It is also invariable, meaning the singular and plural forms are the same: 'el marcapasos' (the pacemaker) and 'los marcapasos' (the pacemakers). Only the article changes.
Is 'marcapasos' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'marcapasos' is the standard and common term used in all Spanish-speaking regions when discussing the medical device, both in clinical settings and in general conversation.
Does 'marcapasos' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'marcapasos' is a technical term with a very specific medical meaning. It does not have common slang uses or double meanings.
Is 'marcapasos' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'marcapasos' is used universally across Spain and Latin America with the same meaning. There are no significant regional variations for this word.

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