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

📅 Published: April 28, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

sábana

noun • /[SA-ba-na]/

sheet

Example:

La sábana cubre la cama del paciente.

The sheet covers the patient's bed.

🧠 What does sábana mean?

A flat piece of cloth, typically used on a bed, but in a medical context, referring to a disposable or reusable cloth used to cover a patient during examinations, procedures, or to maintain hygiene and comfort. It can also refer to a larger sheet used to cover a medical examination table.

📚 Extra examples

  • La enfermera colocó una sábana limpia sobre la camilla del paciente.
    The nurse placed a clean sheet on the patient's examination table.
  • Es importante usar una sábana desechable para mantener la esterilidad.
    It is important to use a disposable sheet to maintain sterility.
  • El doctor pidió una sábana nueva para cubrir al niño.
    The doctor asked for a new sheet to cover the child.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'sábana' most commonly refers to bedsheets, in a medical context, it specifically denotes the cloths used for patient coverage and hygiene, distinguishing it from everyday linen.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "sábana"

Synonyms: lienzo, paño

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'sheet' in Spanish?
The most common translation for 'sheet' in Spanish is 'sábana'.
How do you pronounce 'sábana' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'sábana' is SAH-bah-nah. The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'b' sound is soft.
How do you use 'sábana' in a sentence?
In a medical context, 'sábana' is used to refer to the cloth used to cover patients or surfaces. For example, 'Necesitamos una sábana para el paciente' (We need a sheet for the patient).
What is the English translation of 'sábana'?
The English translation of 'sábana' is 'sheet'.
Does 'sábana' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'sábana' is a feminine noun. In the plural, it becomes 'sábanas'.
Is 'sábana' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'sábana' is a common word in everyday Spanish, referring to bedsheets. Its use in a medical context is also frequent.
Does 'sábana' have slang or double meanings?
In its primary meaning as 'sheet', 'sábana' does not typically have slang or double meanings. However, in some contexts, it might be used figuratively, though this is uncommon in a medical setting.
Is 'sábana' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'sábana' as 'sheet' are consistent across Spain and Latin America. The medical context also uses it in the same way.

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