Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Cells in Spanish: Células
Células · noun · SEH-loo-lahs
The English word 'cells' splits into two distinct Spanish translations based on meaning. Biological cells (in organisms) are 'células,' while enclosed spaces like prison cells or spreadsheet cells are 'celdas.' This is a critical distinction because using the wrong word would confuse listeners—a doctor discusses 'células,' while a guard discusses 'celdas.'
Say 'células' as SEH-loo-lahs with stress on the first syllable. The accent mark on the 'e' indicates this is an esdrújula word (stressed on the antepenultimate syllable).
El cuerpo humano tiene billones de células.
The human body has trillions of cells.
Cells in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for cells, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| células | cells | SEH-loo-lahs | Default, widely understood |
| celdas | cells | prison cells or spreadsheet cells |
How Native Speakers Use Células
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Biology
Las células se dividen constantemente para reparar tejidos.
Cells constantly divide to repair tissues.
Scientific/medical context.
Prison
El prisionero fue trasladado a otra celda.
The prisoner was transferred to another cell.
Using 'celda' for an enclosed room.
Spreadsheet
Escribe la fórmula en la celda B3 de la hoja de cálculo.
Write the formula in cell B3 of the spreadsheet.
Technology/office context using 'celda.'
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Células
Using 'celda' for biology
Incorrect: Las celdas del cuerpo necesitan oxígeno.
Correct: Las células del cuerpo necesitan oxígeno.
Biological cells are always 'células' in Spanish. Using 'celdas' would make listeners think of prison cells or grid compartments, not living organisms.
Using 'célula' for prison
Incorrect: El preso está en su célula.
Correct: El preso está en su celda.
A prison cell is 'celda' (from Latin 'cella'), not 'célula' (from Latin 'cellula'). Despite sharing an etymology, modern Spanish strictly separates these two words by meaning.
Lock in Cells Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Células used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Cells in Spanish
- When do I use 'célula' versus 'celda' in Spanish?
- Use 'célula' (plural: células) exclusively for biological cells—blood cells, plant cells, microscopic organisms. Use 'celda' (plural: celdas) for physical enclosures like prison cells, monastery rooms, honeycomb chambers, and digital compartments like spreadsheet cells or battery cells.
- How do I say 'cell phone' in Spanish?
- A cell phone is 'teléfono celular' or simply 'celular' in Latin America, and 'teléfono móvil' or 'móvil' in Spain. The word 'celular' here derives from the cellular network technology, using the adjective form of 'célula' to describe the radio cell grid.
- What is a 'célula madre' in Spanish?
- The term 'célula madre' translates to 'stem cell' (literally 'mother cell') and refers to undifferentiated cells that can develop into various specialized cell types. This is standard scientific and medical vocabulary used in research papers, news coverage, and medical consultations throughout the Spanish-speaking world.