Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Cavity in Spanish
Caries · noun · KAH-ree-ehs
The Spanish word for cavity (dental) is 'caries.' When referring to a hollow space in general, such as a body cavity, the term 'cavidad' is used instead. 'Caries' is invariable in number — it stays the same in both singular and plural.
Pronounce it as KAH-ree-ehs, with three syllables and the stress on the first. The word sounds similar to the English medical term 'caries.'
El dentista encontró una caries en mi muela.
The dentist found a cavity in my molar.
cavity in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for cavity, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| caries | cavity | KAH-ree-ehs | Default, widely understood |
| cavidad | cavity | general/anatomical meaning |
How Native Speakers Use Caries
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
At the dentist
Tienes dos caries que necesitan tratamiento.
You have two cavities that need treatment.
A dentist informing a patient about dental issues.
Talking about hygiene
Cepíllate los dientes para evitar las caries.
Brush your teeth to avoid cavities.
Giving dental hygiene advice.
Medical context
La cavidad abdominal contiene varios órganos.
The abdominal cavity contains several organs.
Using the anatomical meaning of cavity.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Caries
Wrong word for dental cavity
Incorrect: Tengo una cavidad en el diente.
Correct: Tengo una caries en el diente.
For dental cavities, Spanish uses 'caries,' not 'cavidad.' The word 'cavidad' refers to a general hollow space in the body.
Incorrect pluralization
Incorrect: Tiene tres carieses.
Correct: Tiene tres caries.
'Caries' is an invariable noun — it does not change form between singular and plural.
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Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Caries used by native speakers
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Common Questions About cavity in Spanish
- When do you use caries versus cavidad?
- In dental contexts, 'caries' is always the correct term for tooth decay, while 'cavidad' is reserved for anatomical or physical hollow spaces like a chest cavity or nasal cavity.
- Is caries singular or plural in Spanish?
- The word 'caries' functions as both singular and plural, so you say 'una caries' for one cavity and 'tres caries' for three cavities without changing the word.
- How do you say filling (for a cavity) in Spanish?
- A dental filling is called an 'empaste' or 'relleno' in Spanish, and the procedure of filling a cavity is 'empastar una caries.'