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

📅 Published: October 27, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

traumatismo

noun • /[traw-mah-TEES-moh]/

trauma

Example:

El traumatismo craneal fue leve.

The cranial trauma was mild.

🧠 What does traumatismo mean?

Traumatismo is a Spanish noun that generally refers to a physical injury or wound, often caused by an accident or violent event. It can describe the physical damage itself or the event that caused the damage. It's similar to the English word 'trauma' when referring to bodily harm, and less frequently, it can also describe emotional or psychological trauma. It's important to note that in medical settings, 'traumatismo' is the preferred term for physical injuries, while 'trauma' might be used in more general or psychological contexts.

📚 Extra examples

  • Sufrió un traumatismo craneal en el accidente.
    He suffered a head injury in the accident.
  • El traumatismo en su pierna requirió cirugía.
    The trauma to his leg required surgery.
  • El médico evaluó el traumatismo abdominal.
    The doctor evaluated the abdominal injury.
  • El informe describe el traumatismo como leve.
    The report describes the injury as minor.
  • Después del accidente, le diagnosticaron un traumatismo múltiple.
    After the accident, they diagnosed him with multiple injuries.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'traumatismo' is usually used for physical injuries, the related adjective 'traumático' can describe both physical and emotional events, for example, 'una experiencia traumática' (a traumatic experience).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "traumatismo"

Synonyms: lesión, herida

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'trauma' in Spanish?
The most common translation of 'trauma' in the sense of a physical injury is 'traumatismo'. In the context of emotional or psychological trauma, you might also use 'trauma' in Spanish, although it's less common than 'traumatismo' for physical injuries.
How do you pronounce 'traumatismo' in Spanish?
It's pronounced traw-mah-TEES-mo. The stress is on the third syllable (TEES).
How do you use 'traumatismo' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'El jugador sufrió un traumatismo en la rodilla.' (The player suffered an injury to his knee.) or 'El traumatismo requirió hospitalización.' (The injury required hospitalization).
What is the English translation of 'traumatismo'?
The English translation of 'traumatismo' is generally 'trauma' (in a medical/physical sense), 'injury', or 'wound'.
Does 'traumatismo' change for gender or number?
No, 'traumatismo' is a masculine noun and its form doesn't change for singular or plural. However, the articles and adjectives around it will change (e.g., un traumatismo, el traumatismo, los traumatismos).
Is 'traumatismo' common in everyday Spanish?
While understood by most Spanish speakers, 'traumatismo' is more common in medical or formal settings. In everyday conversations, simpler words like 'lesión' (injury) or 'herida' (wound) are often used.
Does 'traumatismo' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'traumatismo' generally doesn't have any slang meanings or double meanings. It's a fairly straightforward medical term.
Is 'traumatismo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'traumatismo' are largely the same across Spain and Latin America. There aren't any significant regional differences.

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