higiénico

ee-HYE-nee-koh/iˈxjeniko/

“higiénico” means “hygienic” in Spanish (related to cleanliness and health).

hygienic

Also: sanitary, toilet (paper)

Chile

Es importante mantener hábitos higiénicos en la cocina.

It is important to maintain hygienic habits in the kitchen.

Necesito comprar un paquete de papel higiénico.

I need to buy a pack of toilet paper.

Las condiciones en el hospital eran muy higiénicas.

The conditions in the hospital were very sanitary.

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'toilet paper' in Spanish?

👥 Word Family▼

higienizar(to sanitize) — Verb

higienista(hygienist) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

técnicoarsénico

📚 Etymology▼

From the Greek word 'hygieinos' meaning 'healthful,' which comes from Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health.

First recorded: 18th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: hygienicFrench: hygiénique

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Is 'higiénico' only used for medical things?

No, it's very common in daily life, especially when talking about food safety, personal grooming, and cleaning products like toilet paper.

Does Spanish use a different word for 'sanitary'?

Spanish often uses 'sanitario' for infrastructure (like pipes or toilets) and 'higiénico' for the state of being germ-free or healthy.

Is the 'h' pronounced?

No, in Spanish the 'h' is always silent. You start the word with the 'ee' sound of the 'i'.