US Medical Term · emergency
Intensive Care Unit
Unidad de cuidados intensivos
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Intensive Care Unit |
| Spanish (Español) | Unidad de cuidados intensivos |
| Chinese (中文) | 重症監護室 |
| Korean (한국어) | 중환자실 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đơn vị chăm sóc đặc biệt |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Intensive Care Unit |
| Portuguese (Português) | Unidade de terapia intensiva |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | หอผู้ป่วยวิกฤต |
| Japanese (日本語) | 集中治療室 |
What it means
The intensive care unit (ICU) is a specialized hospital ward for patients who are critically ill and need continuous, close monitoring and advanced life support. Nurses and doctors in the ICU manage life-threatening conditions such as organ failure, severe infections, major surgeries, and serious injuries. Equipment in the ICU includes heart monitors, mechanical ventilators, and IV infusion pumps. Visiting hours are often limited. ICU care is more intensive and costly than general ward care. Being admitted to the ICU means your condition is serious and requires around-the-clock specialized nursing and physician attention.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My father was moved to the intensive care unit overnight.
Mi padre fue trasladado a la unidad de cuidados intensivos durante la noche.
Can I visit my mother in the intensive care unit?
¿Puedo visitar a mi madre en la unidad de cuidados intensivos?
What does it mean that my husband is in the ICU?
¿Qué significa que mi esposo está en la UCI?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026