Spanish word

oxígeno

Pronunciation

IPA/okˈsixeno/

Meaning

  • masculine nounoxygen

Example

Necesitamos oxígeno para respirar.

We need oxygen to breathe.

Illustration for oxígeno (oxygen)

More examples

En la montaña alta puede haber falta de oxígeno.

On the high mountain there may be a lack of oxygen.

Core concept

Colorless diatomic gas essential for breathing and combustion.

Common phrases

  • falta de oxígeno

    lack of oxygen

  • nivel de oxígeno

    oxygen level

  • mascarilla de oxígeno

    oxygen mask

Similar words

aire: Mixture of gases that people inhale as the air in indoor and outdoor spaces.
dióxido de carbono: Odorless gas emitted by breathing and burning and taken up by plants during photosynthesis.

Definition in Spanish

Elemento químico gaseoso esencial para la respiración y para la combustión; en la atmósfera aparece principalmente como la molécula diatómica O2.

Word origin

From French oxygène, coined in the late 18th century from Greek oxys 'acid, sharp' and genēs 'producer' because early chemists believed this element formed acids.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Spanish, speakers usually say aire or ventilación for fresh air while oxígeno appears in medical and scientific contexts, and the written accent on the í marks the stressed syllable.

Related words

Word lists with this word