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

📅 Published: February 25, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

respirador

noun • /[res-pee-ra-DOR]/

ventilator

Example:

El paciente está en respirador.

The patient is on a ventilator.

🧠 What does respirador mean?

A 'respirador', also known as a 'ventilador mecánico', is a medical machine designed to assist or replace the function of breathing for a patient who is unable to breathe sufficiently on their own. It works by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs. These devices are crucial in intensive care units (ICUs), operating rooms, and for emergency care.

📚 Extra examples

  • El paciente fue conectado a un respirador en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.
    The patient was connected to a ventilator in the intensive care unit.
  • Los médicos esperan poder retirarle el respirador mañana por la mañana.
    The doctors hope to be able to remove the ventilator tomorrow morning.
  • La escasez de respiradores fue un gran problema durante la pandemia.
    The shortage of ventilators was a major problem during the pandemic.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'respirador' comes directly from the verb 'respirar' (to breathe). The suffix '-dor' is often added to verbs to create a noun for the person or thing that performs the action. So, a 'respirador' is literally 'that which breathes' or 'that which enables breathing'. This is a common pattern in Spanish, seen in words like 'trabajador' (worker) from 'trabajar' (to work).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "respirador"

Synonyms: ventilador mecánico, ventilador artificial
Opposites: respiración natural, respiración espontánea

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'ventilator' in Spanish?
The most common and direct translation for a medical 'ventilator' is 'respirador'. You may also hear 'ventilador mecánico' for more specificity.
How do you pronounce 'respirador' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is rres-pee-rah-DOR. The initial 'r' is slightly rolled, the middle 'r' is a soft tap, and the stress falls on the final syllable '-dor'.
How do you use 'respirador' in a sentence?
A typical sentence would be: 'El paciente necesita un respirador para poder respirar.' (The patient needs a ventilator to be able to breathe.)
What is the English translation of 'respirador'?
The primary English translation is 'ventilator', specifically a medical or mechanical ventilator. It can also mean 'respirator' in the sense of a protective mask.
Does 'respirador' change for gender or number?
'Respirador' is a masculine noun. The singular form is 'el respirador' and the plural form is 'los respiradores'.
Is 'respirador' common in everyday Spanish?
The word is common within medical and healthcare contexts, such as in hospitals or news reports. It is not typically used in casual, everyday conversation unless discussing a specific medical situation.
Does 'respirador' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, besides a medical ventilator, 'respirador' can also refer to a respirator mask (like an N95) used for protection against inhaling dust, fumes, or germs. The context almost always makes the meaning clear.
Is 'respirador' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the term 'respirador' for a medical ventilator is standard and universally understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, with no significant regional variations.

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