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

📅 Published: March 2, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

pulmón

noun • /[pool-MON]/

lung

Example:

El paciente tiene una infección en el pulmón.

The patient has an infection in the lung.

🧠 What does pulmón mean?

The 'pulmón' refers to one of the two large organs in the chest cavity responsible for respiration in humans and many other animals. In Spanish, 'pulmón' specifically denotes a lung. It is a vital organ involved in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the bloodstream. This term is frequently encountered in medical contexts, such as discussions about respiratory illnesses, lung capacity, or thoracic surgery.

📚 Extra examples

  • El paciente tiene un fuerte dolor en el pulmón izquierdo.
    The patient has a sharp pain in the left lung.
  • Fumar puede dañar gravemente los pulmones.
    Smoking can severely damage the lungs.
  • Se necesita un trasplante de pulmón para mejorar su condición.
    A lung transplant is needed to improve his condition.
  • Los médicos auscultaron sus pulmones para detectar anomalías.
    The doctors listened to his lungs to detect abnormalities.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'pulmón' comes from the Latin word 'pulmo', which also means lung. This demonstrates a shared linguistic root with other Romance languages.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "pulmón"

Synonyms: aleta pulmonar

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'lung' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'lung' is 'pulmón'.
How do you pronounce 'pulmón' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'pulmón' is approximately 'pool-MOHN'. The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'ó' indicates a stressed vowel sound similar to the 'o' in 'go'.
How do you use 'pulmón' in a sentence?
'Pulmón' is used as a noun, typically referring to the organ itself. For example, 'Mi pulmón derecho me duele' (My right lung hurts).
What is the English translation of 'pulmón'?
The English translation of 'pulmón' is 'lung'.
Does 'pulmón' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'pulmón' is a masculine noun. Its plural form is 'pulmones'.
Is 'pulmón' common in everyday Spanish?
While 'pulmón' is a fundamental biological term, its direct use in casual, everyday conversation might be less frequent unless discussing health or medical matters. More common related phrases might be used.
Does 'pulmón' have slang or double meanings?
In standard Spanish, 'pulmón' primarily refers to the anatomical organ. There are no widely recognized slang or double meanings associated with this term.
Is 'pulmón' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'pulmón' and its meaning as 'lung' are consistent across both Spain and Latin America. Its usage in medical and general contexts remains the same.

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