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

📅 Published: February 17, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

pupila

noun • /[pu-PI-la]/

pupil

Example:

La pupila no reacciona a la luz.

The pupil doesn't react to light.

🧠 What does pupila mean?

In anatomy, the term 'pupila' refers to the dark, circular opening in the center of the iris of the eye. Its primary function is to allow light to enter the eye so it can be focused on the retina to begin the process of sight. The size of the pupila changes in response to light intensity, dilating in dim light and constricting in bright light.

📚 Extra examples

  • El médico le revisó las pupilas con una pequeña linterna.
    The doctor checked her pupils with a small flashlight.
  • En la oscuridad, las pupilas se dilatan para permitir que entre más luz.
    In the dark, the pupils dilate to allow more light to enter.
  • Notó que la pupila de su ojo derecho estaba más grande que la de la izquierda.
    He noticed that the pupil of his right eye was larger than the left one.
  • Ciertas gotas para los ojos pueden causar la contracción de las pupilas.
    Certain eye drops can cause the pupils to constrict.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'pupila' originates from the Latin 'pūpilla', which means 'little doll'. It is believed this name arose from the tiny, doll-like reflection of oneself that can be seen when looking closely into another person's eye.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "pupila"

Synonyms: niña del ojo

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'pupil' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'pupil' of the eye is 'pupila'. Note that the word for 'pupil' as in a student is 'alumno' or 'alumna'.
How do you pronounce 'pupila' in Spanish?
The word 'pupila' is pronounced poo-PEE-lah, with the stress on the second syllable.
How do you use 'pupila' in a sentence?
Here is an example sentence: 'El oftalmólogo observó la reacción de la pupila a la luz.' (The ophthalmologist observed the pupil's reaction to light.)
What is the English translation of 'pupila'?
The English translation of 'pupila' is 'pupil', referring to the anatomical part of the eye.
Does 'pupila' change for gender or number?
'Pupila' is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'pupilas'. It is always used with feminine articles and adjectives, such as 'la pupila' or 'las pupilas dilatadas'.
Is 'pupila' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'pupila' is the standard and universally understood term for the pupil of the eye in both medical and everyday contexts throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Does 'pupila' have slang or double meanings?
While its primary meaning is anatomical, 'pupila' can have an archaic or literary meaning of a female student or a young woman under guardianship. This usage is rare in modern Spanish. In some poetic contexts, it can also be called 'la niña del ojo'.
Is 'pupila' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and use of 'pupila' are consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions. There are no significant regional variations for this term.

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