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

📅 Published: April 8, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

pastilla

noun • /[pas-TEE-ya]/

pill

Example:

Tomé una pastilla para el dolor.

I took a pill for the pain.

🧠 What does pastilla mean?

A small, solid dose of medication, typically taken orally. It refers to a single unit of a medicinal substance, often compressed into a specific shape and size for easy administration and accurate dosage. This term is widely used in pharmacies and healthcare settings.

📚 Extra examples

  • Necesito tomar una pastilla para el dolor de cabeza.
    I need to take a pill for my headache.
  • El médico le recetó una pastilla diaria para la presión arterial.
    The doctor prescribed a daily pill for blood pressure.
  • Guarde las pastillas fuera del alcance de los niños.
    Keep the pills out of reach of children.
  • Esta pastilla debe tomarse con agua.
    This pill should be taken with water.
  • La farmacéutica me explicó cómo tomar la pastilla.
    The pharmacist explained how to take the pill.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'pastilla' is the most common term for a pill, you might also hear 'comprimido' or 'cápsula' which refer to tablets and capsules respectively. The context often clarifies the exact form of medication.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "pastilla"

Synonyms: cápsula, gragea, comprimido

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'pill' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'pill' is 'pastilla'.
How do you pronounce 'pastilla' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'pastilla' is pahs-TEE-yah. The 'll' sound is similar to the 'y' in 'yes'.
How do you use 'pastilla' in a sentence?
'Pastilla' is used as a noun, typically preceded by an article (like 'una' or 'la') and referring to a single dose of medication. For example, 'Tomo una pastilla cada mañana' (I take a pill every morning).
What is the English translation of 'pastilla'?
The English translation of 'pastilla' is 'pill'.
Does 'pastilla' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'pastilla' is a feminine noun and follows standard pluralization rules. The singular is 'pastilla' and the plural is 'pastillas'.
Is 'pastilla' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'pastilla' is a very common word in everyday Spanish, especially when discussing health and medication.
Does 'pastilla' have slang or double meanings?
While primarily meaning 'pill', 'pastilla' can sometimes be used informally to refer to a small, compact block or tablet of something, such as chocolate or soap, but its primary and most common meaning remains 'pill'.
Is 'pastilla' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning of 'pastilla' as 'pill' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations might exist for specific types of pills or other related terminology, but 'pastilla' itself is universally understood in this context.

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