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

📅 Published: March 4, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

riñón

noun • /[ree-NYON]/

kidney

Example:

El riñón filtra la sangre.

The kidney filters the blood.

🧠 What does riñón mean?

The word riñón refers to one of the two bean-shaped organs in the body that are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine. In medical contexts, it is a crucial term for discussing the urinary system, renal health, and related conditions. The term is essential for healthcare professionals and patients alike to communicate effectively about diagnoses, treatments, and organ function.

📚 Extra examples

  • El paciente necesita un trasplante de riñón debido a insuficiencia renal crónica.
    The patient needs a kidney transplant due to chronic kidney failure.
  • Los cálculos renales pueden ser muy dolorosos y afectar el funcionamiento del riñón.
    Kidney stones can be very painful and affect kidney function.
  • Una dieta equilibrada es importante para la salud del riñón.
    A balanced diet is important for kidney health.
  • Se realizaron pruebas para evaluar la función de cada riñón.
    Tests were performed to evaluate the function of each kidney.

💡 Did You Know?

The Spanish word 'riñón' shares a similar origin with the English word 'kidney', both tracing back to Germanic roots related to the shape or location of the organ.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "riñón"

Synonyms: organo renal, órgano filtrador

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'kidney' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'kidney' is riñón.
How do you pronounce 'riñón' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of riñón is roughly 'ree-NYON', with the 'ñ' sound similar to the 'ny' in 'canyon'.
How do you use 'riñón' in a sentence?
The word 'riñón' is used in sentences to refer to the organ itself, its function, or medical conditions related to it. For example, 'Tengo un dolor en el riñón derecho' (I have pain in my right kidney).
What is the English translation of 'riñón'?
The English translation of riñón is 'kidney'.
Does 'riñón' change for gender or number?
Riñón is a masculine noun. It changes for number: 'riñón' (singular) and 'riñones' (plural).
Is 'riñón' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'riñón' is a common word, especially in discussions about health, food (e.g., 'riñones a la plancha' - grilled kidneys, a dish), or when referring to the anatomical organ.
Does 'riñón' have slang or double meanings?
In some informal contexts, 'riñón' can be used to refer to something very valuable or important, implying something that is the 'lifeblood' of a situation, much like the kidney is vital to the body. However, its primary and most common meaning remains the anatomical organ.
Is 'riñón' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'riñón' as the anatomical organ are consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations might occur in specific idiomatic expressions or when referring to culinary uses of the organ, but the core definition remains the same.

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