US Medical Term · anatomy
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobina
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Hemoglobin |
| Spanish (Español) | Hemoglobina |
| Chinese (中文) | 血紅素 |
| Korean (한국어) | 헤모글로빈 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Hemoglobin |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Hemoglobin |
| Portuguese (Português) | Hemoglobina |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ฮีโมโกลบิน |
| Japanese (日本語) | ヘモグロビン |
What it means
Hemoglobin is a protein found inside red blood cells that gives blood its red color and is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Each hemoglobin molecule can bind up to four oxygen molecules. Hemoglobin picks up oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues and organs, then carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be breathed out. A hemoglobin level is measured in a standard blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). Low hemoglobin is a sign of anemia and can cause fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Hemoglobin levels can be affected by iron deficiency, blood loss, kidney disease, or sickle cell disease.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My hemoglobin was low on my blood test and the doctor said I am anemic.
La hemoglobina estaba baja en el análisis de sangre y el médico dijo que tengo anemia.
I feel short of breath — could it be related to my hemoglobin level?
Me falta el aire — ¿podría estar relacionado con el nivel de hemoglobina?
What is a normal hemoglobin level and how can I raise mine?
¿Cuál es un nivel normal de hemoglobina y cómo puedo subirlo?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026