A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I need stitches" in Spanish
Say 'Necesito puntos de sutura' when you have a wound that needs to be sewn up by a doctor.
Necesito puntos de sutura.
neh-seh-SEE-toh POON-tohs deh soo-TOO-rahneutral
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This is what you say when you have a cut or injury that is too deep to close on its own and requires medical attention. You would use this phrase when speaking to a doctor, nurse, or emergency responder.
Alternatives
- Me tienen que coser.More informal, implies the action of sewing.
- Tengo una herida que necesita puntos.Slightly more descriptive of the wound itself.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'puntos' with 'points'
'Puntos' here means stitches, not abstract points or directions.
Using 'costura' instead of 'sutura'
'Costura' refers to sewing in general, while 'sutura' specifically means surgical stitches.
A small cultural note
In some regions, a doctor might simply ask '¿Necesita puntos?' (Do you need stitches?) and you would respond with this phrase.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between puntos and suturas?
Both refer to stitches used to close a wound. 'Puntos' is more common in everyday speech, while 'suturas' is the more technical medical term.
How do I say I need a doctor in Spanish?
You can say 'Necesito un médico.' If it's an emergency, you can also say '¡Ayuda!' which means 'Help!'
What if the wound is bleeding a lot?
You can say 'Estoy sangrando mucho' (I am bleeding a lot) in addition to needing stitches.
