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

📅 Published: March 11, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

nervio

noun • /[NER-vyo]/

nerve

Example:

El nervio transmite señales al cerebro.

The nerve sends signals to the brain.

🧠 What does nervio mean?

In anatomy and physiology, a nervio is a bundle of fibers that transmits impulses of sensation to the brain or spinal cord, and impulses from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands. This term is fundamental in understanding the nervous system's structure and function in Spanish-speaking medical contexts.

📚 Extra examples

  • El daño en el nervio ciático puede causar dolor intenso en la pierna.
    Damage to the sciatic nerve can cause intense pain in the leg.
  • El cirujano tuvo que tener mucho cuidado para no cortar ningún nervio durante la operación.
    The surgeon had to be very careful not to cut any nerves during the operation.
  • Los impulsos nerviosos viajan a través de los nervios.
    Nerve impulses travel through the nerves.
  • La inflamación de un nervio se conoce como neuritis.
    Inflammation of a nerve is known as neuritis.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'nervio' shares its Latin root, 'nervus', with the English word 'nerve', highlighting a common linguistic heritage in describing these vital biological pathways.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "nervio"

Synonyms: fibra nerviosa, conducto nervioso

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'nerve' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'nerve' is 'nervio'.
How do you pronounce 'nervio' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'nervio' is 'NER-bee-o', with the stress on the first syllable. The 'v' is pronounced softly, similar to a 'b'.
How do you use 'nervio' in a sentence?
'Nervio' is used to refer to the anatomical structure that transmits signals. For example, 'El médico examinó el nervio afectado' (The doctor examined the affected nerve).
What is the English translation of 'nervio'?
The primary English translation of 'nervio' is 'nerve'.
Does 'nervio' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'nervio' is a masculine noun. In the plural, it becomes 'nervios'.
Is 'nervio' common in everyday Spanish?
While its primary use is in medical and scientific contexts, 'nervio' can appear in everyday conversations when discussing injuries or bodily functions. It is also used metaphorically.
Does 'nervio' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, 'nervio' can also be used colloquially to mean 'anxiety,' 'worry,' or 'stress,' especially in phrases like 'tener nervios' (to be nervous) or 'me da un nervio' (it makes me anxious). In this slang usage, it is often pluralized as 'nervios'.
Is 'nervio' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The anatomical meaning of 'nervio' is consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions. The colloquial usage of 'nervios' to mean anxiety or stress is also widely understood in both Spain and Latin America.

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