Spanish word

cardenal

Pronunciation

IPA/kaɾðeˈnal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbruise

Example

Me salió un cardenal en la pierna después de caer.

I got a bruise on my leg after falling.

Illustration for cardenal (bruise)

More examples

Buscó remedios para curar el cardenal en su mejilla.

He looked for remedies to treat the bruise on his cheek.

Core concept

Dark purplish mark and swelling where blood pooled under the skin from an impact.

Common phrases

  • curar un cardenal

    treat a bruise

  • un cardenal en la mejilla

    a bruise on the cheek

Similar words

moretón: Flat purple or blue bruise on the skin caused by a minor knock, usually without swelling.
hematoma: Raised, often tender swelling formed by trapped blood collecting inside soft tissue.
contusión: Blunt-force injury that bruises and damages skin and underlying tissues, causing pain.

Definition in Spanish

Mancha o hinchazón en la piel causada por un golpe, de color morado o rojo oscuro.

Word origin

From Latin cardinalis via the color name for the deep red worn by cardinals, transferred to the purplish-red stain that follows a strong blow.

Usage tips

  • Stress falls on the final syllable (car-de-NAL) and the word has no written accent.

Other meanings

  • cardinalnoun

Word lists with this word