US Medical Term · anatomy
Tonsils
Amígdalas
Also: Tonsilas (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Tonsils |
| Spanish (Español) | Amígdalas |
| Chinese (中文) | 扁桃腺 |
| Korean (한국어) | 편도선 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Amidan |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Tonsilya |
| Portuguese (Português) | Amígdalas |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ต่อมทอนซิล |
| Japanese (日本語) | 扁桃腺 |
What it means
The tonsils are two oval-shaped masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat, one on each side. They are part of the immune system and act as the body's first defense against bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose. In children, the tonsils are usually largest and most active. The tonsils can become infected (tonsillitis), causing a very sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen neck glands. Repeated infections or significantly enlarged tonsils that block breathing or swallowing may require surgical removal, a procedure called a tonsillectomy. The adenoids, located behind the nasal passages, are a related lymphoid tissue often removed at the same time.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My child keeps getting strep throat — the doctor is talking about removing the tonsils.
Mi hijo sigue teniendo faringitis estreptocócica — el doctor está hablando de extirpar las amígdalas.
My tonsils are so swollen I can barely swallow.
Mis amígdalas están tan inflamadas que casi no puedo tragar.
After the tonsillectomy, how long will my recovery take?
Después de la amigdalectomía, ¿cuánto tiempo tardará mi recuperación?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026