cuarentena
/kwah-rehn-teh-nah/
quarantine
A house separated by a fence represents the isolation of quarantine.
cuarentena(noun)
quarantine
?medical isolation to prevent disease
isolation
?staying away from others for health reasons
,forty-day period
?a literal duration of 40 days
📝 In Action
El viajero tuvo que cumplir una cuarentena de diez días.
B1The traveler had to complete a ten-day quarantine.
Pusieron el barco en cuarentena al llegar al puerto.
B2They put the ship in quarantine upon arriving at the port.
Durante la cuarentena, mucha gente aprendió a cocinar.
A2During the quarantine, many people learned how to cook.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun
This is a feminine word, so you should always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la cuarentena).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Not exactly 40 days
Mistake: "Thinking it must last 40 days."
Correction: In modern Spanish, it refers to any period of isolation for health, whether it is 7, 10, or 14 days.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
If you 'put a piece of news in quarantine' (poner en cuarentena una noticia), it means you don't fully believe it yet and are waiting for proof.
A person celebrating their milestone age in their forties.
📝 In Action
A mi tío le sentó muy bien entrar en la cuarentena.
B2My uncle felt very good about entering his forties.
⭐ Usage Tips
Age groups
Just as 'una decena' is ten, 'una cuarentena' can describe a group of forty people or things, or reaching the age of 40.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuarentena
Question 1 of 2
If someone says they are 'en cuarentena,' what are they likely doing?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cuarentena' only for sick people?
No, it is often for people who might have been exposed to a sickness but don't show symptoms yet, to see if they get sick.
Can I use 'cuarentena' for objects?
Yes! You can 'poner en cuarentena' an idea or a file on a computer if you think it might be dangerous or incorrect.