Spanish Phrase
¿Qué hago con una herida que está sangrando?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and practical question asking for advice or instructions on how to handle a bleeding wound. It implies a need for immediate first aid or medical guidance. The speaker is seeking information on the correct course of action.
When to use
Use this phrase when you or someone else has a bleeding wound and you need to know what steps to take to stop the bleeding or provide first aid. It's suitable for asking a medical professional, a first aid responder, or anyone you believe might have knowledge on the subject.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quéhagoconunaheridaqueestásangrando?
Hacer (hago)
'Hacer' means 'to do' or 'to make'. 'Hago' is the first-person singular (I) conjugation in the present tense. It's a common irregular verb.
Estar (está)
'Estar' means 'to be' and is used for temporary states, locations, and ongoing actions. 'Está' is the third-person singular conjugation (he/she/it is). Here, it indicates the temporary state of bleeding.
Gerundio (-ando/-iendo)
The '-ando' ending (like in 'sangrando') forms the present participle (gerund) in Spanish, indicating an ongoing action. It combines with 'estar' to form the present progressive tense, meaning 'is bleeding'.
Que
'Que' acts as a relative pronoun here, meaning 'that' or 'which', connecting 'una herida' (a wound) to the description of its state ('está sangrando').
🗨In Conversation
¡Ayuda! Me corté y está sangrando mucho. ¿Qué hago con una herida que está sangrando?
Help! I cut myself and it's bleeding a lot. What do I do with a wound that is bleeding?
Primero, presiona firmemente con un paño limpio. Luego, eleva la parte del cuerpo afectada y busca ayuda médica si no para.
First, press firmly with a clean cloth. Then, elevate the affected body part and seek medical help if it doesn't stop.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Qué hago con una herida que es sangrando?
Using 'ser' (es) instead of 'estar' (está) is incorrect here. 'Estar' is used for temporary states like 'bleeding', while 'ser' is for permanent characteristics.
¿Qué hago con una herida que sangra?
While 'que sangra' (that bleeds) is grammatically correct, 'que está sangrando' (that is bleeding) emphasizes the ongoing action, which is more common when asking for immediate help with an active bleed.
↔Alternatives
¿Cómo detengo una hemorragia?
How do I stop a hemorrhage?
¿Qué debo hacer si me corto?
What should I do if I cut myself?
¿Necesito ir al médico por esta herida?
Do I need to go to the doctor for this wound?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, there's a strong emphasis on community and helping others. If someone asks this question, it's often expected that you'll offer practical advice or direct them to help. For serious injuries, seeking professional medical attention is always advised, and people are generally not shy about doing so. Knowing basic first aid terms can be very helpful in emergencies.