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resfriado

ress-free-AH-doh/resfɾiˈaðo/

“resfriado” means “cold” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

cold

Also: sniffles
NounmA1
A box of tissues, a thermometer, and a mug of hot tea on a small table.

📝 In Action

Tengo un resfriado muy fuerte.

A1

I have a very bad cold.

El resfriado me quita el hambre.

A2

The cold takes away my appetite.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • catarro (cold/congestion)
  • constipado (cold (Spain))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • pescar un resfriado – to catch a cold
  • curar un resfriado – to cure a cold

having a cold

Also: chilled
A person wrapped in a thick blanket, wearing a winter hat, and holding a tissue to their nose.

📝 In Action

Juan está resfriado y no puede venir.

A1

Juan has a cold and can't come.

Hoy me siento un poco resfriado.

A1

Today I feel like I'm coming down with a cold.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • estar resfriado – to have a cold / to be sick with a cold

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "resfriado" in Spanish:

chilled→cold→sniffles→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: resfriado

Question 1 of 2

Which verb do you use to say 'I have a cold'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
frío(cold) — Noun
resfriar(to catch a cold / to cool down) — Verb
resfriamiento(cooling / chilling) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the prefix 're-' (used here to emphasize) and 'frío' (from Latin 'frigus'), meaning cold. It literally means 'intensely chilled'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: resfriadoFrench: refroidi

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'resfriado' and 'gripe'?

A 'resfriado' is a common cold (congestion, sneezing). 'Gripe' is the flu, which usually involves a fever and muscle aches.

Do people use 'resfriado' in all Spanish-speaking countries?

Yes, it is understood everywhere. However, in Spain, you will very frequently hear 'constipado' instead.