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patucos means shoe covers — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 27, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

patucos

noun • /[pa-TOO-kos]/

shoe covers

Example:

Los patucos mantienen la sala limpia.

The shoe covers keep the room clean.

🧠 What does patucos mean?

Patucos refers to disposable covers worn over shoes, typically made of a thin, non-permeable material. They are commonly used in healthcare settings to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of contaminants. These shoe covers are essential in operating rooms, laboratories, and patient care areas to ensure a sterile environment and protect both the footwear of healthcare professionals and the flooring of sensitive areas.

📚 Extra examples

  • Es obligatorio usar patucos en el quirófano para mantener la esterilidad.
    It is mandatory to wear shoe covers in the operating room to maintain sterility.
  • El personal de limpieza utiliza patucos para evitar ensuciar los suelos limpios.
    The cleaning staff uses shoe covers to avoid soiling the clean floors.
  • En algunos laboratorios, se requieren patucos como parte del equipo de protección personal.
    In some laboratories, shoe covers are required as part of personal protective equipment.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'patucos' is widely recognized in medical Spanish for shoe covers, in some regions, the term 'cubrezapatos' might also be used. The primary function remains to ensure cleanliness and prevent contamination.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "patucos"

Synonyms: cubrezapatos, fundas para zapatos

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'shoe covers' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for shoe covers, especially in a medical context, is 'patucos'.
How do you pronounce 'patucos' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'patucos' is pah-TOO-kos. The 'p' is unaspirated, the 't' is pronounced with the tongue tip touching the back of the upper teeth, and the 'c' has an 's' sound in most of Latin America and southern Spain, or a 'th' sound in northern Spain.
How do you use 'patucos' in a sentence?
You can use 'patucos' in a sentence by referring to their purpose or usage. For example: 'Los médicos se pusieron patucos antes de entrar a la sala de operaciones.' (The doctors put on shoe covers before entering the operating room.)
What is the English translation of 'patucos'?
The English translation of 'patucos' is shoe covers, particularly disposable ones used for hygiene.
Does 'patucos' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'patucos' is a masculine plural noun. The singular masculine form is 'patuco'.
Is 'patucos' common in everyday Spanish?
'Patucos' is most commonly encountered in medical or specialized professional settings. While 'zapatos' refers to shoes in general, 'patucos' specifically denotes these protective covers.
Does 'patucos' have slang or double meanings?
In its primary medical context, 'patucos' does not have slang or double meanings. However, the word 'patuco' can also informally refer to booties for babies.
Is 'patucos' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'patucos' for disposable shoe covers is understood in both Spain and Latin America. While regional variations in vocabulary can exist, 'patucos' is a recognized term in medical Spanish across Spanish-speaking countries.

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