bacteria
“bacteria” means “bacteria” in Spanish (biological organism).
bacteria
Also: germ
📝 In Action
Lávate las manos para eliminar las bacterias.
A1Wash your hands to eliminate the bacteria.
El yogur contiene bacterias beneficiosas para el cuerpo.
B1Yogurt contains bacteria that are beneficial for the body.
La infección fue causada por una bacteria muy resistente.
B2The infection was caused by a very resistant bacteria.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: bacteria
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'the bacteria' when referring to a single organism?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Greek word 'bakterion', which means 'little stick', because the first bacteria seen under a microscope looked like tiny rods.
First recorded: 19th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bacteria' singular or plural in Spanish?
It is singular. 'Bacteria' refers to one, while 'bacterias' refers to many. This is different from English, where 'bacteria' is often used as the plural of 'bacterium'.
Can I use 'germen' instead of 'bacteria'?
Yes, in casual conversation, 'germen' (germ) is a common synonym, though 'bacteria' is more precise in medical or scientific contexts.
How do I describe something related to bacteria?
You use the adjective 'bacteriano' (for masculine things) or 'bacteriana' (for feminine things), like 'una infección bacteriana'.