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enfermos

en-FER-mos/eɱˈfeɾmos/

“enfermos” means “sick” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

sick, ill

Also: unwell
Two young boys lying in separate beds under colorful blankets, both looking pale and unwell, illustrating the state of being sick.

📝 In Action

Los turistas estaban enfermos después de la cena.

A1

The tourists were sick after dinner.

Necesitamos más camas para los pacientes enfermos.

A2

We need more beds for the ill patients.

Asegúrate de que tus hijos no estén enfermos antes de viajar.

A1

Make sure your children aren't sick before traveling.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • indispuestos (unwell)
  • malos (bad/not feeling well)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • están enfermos – they are sick

sick people, patients

Also: the ill
NounmA2
A group of three people, including men and women, sitting quietly on a wooden bench in a simple, brightly colored room. One person is resting their head on their hand, looking fatigued, representing a group of sick people.

📝 In Action

La sala de espera estaba llena de enfermos.

A2

The waiting room was full of sick people (or patients).

Los enfermos necesitan cuidados especiales.

B1

The patients need special care.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pacientes (patients)

Antonyms

  • sanadores (healers)

Common Collocations

  • cuidar a los enfermos – to care for the sick

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "enfermos" in Spanish:

patients→sick people→the ill→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: enfermos

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'enfermos' correctly as a noun?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *infirmus*, which means 'not strong' or 'weak.' It is formed by combining the prefix *in-* (meaning 'not') and *firmus* (meaning 'strong' or 'firm').

First recorded: Medieval Latin

Cognates (Related words)

English: infirmPortuguese: enfermos

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'enfermos' come from a verb conjugation?

No. Although many Spanish words ending in *-mos* are verb forms (like *comemos*), 'enfermos' is exclusively the plural form of the noun/adjective 'enfermo' (sick person/sick). The 'nosotros' form of the verb 'enfermar' (to get sick) is actually *enfermamos*.

How do I say 'sick' for a group of women?

You must change the ending to match the feminine plural: 'enfermas'.