sanitario
“sanitario” means “health” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
health
Also: sanitary, medical
📝 In Action
El sistema sanitario de este país es excelente.
A2The health system of this country is excellent.
Necesitamos más material sanitario en el hospital.
B1We need more medical supplies in the hospital.
Las autoridades sanitarias recomiendan lavarse las manos.
B2Health authorities recommend washing your hands.
healthcare worker
Also: toilet
📝 In Action
Los sanitarios trabajaron muchas horas durante la emergencia.
B1The healthcare workers worked many hours during the emergency.
El fontanero está arreglando el sanitario.
B2The plumber is fixing the toilet.
Ella es una sanitaria con mucha experiencia.
B1She is a healthcare professional with a lot of experience.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sanitario
Question 1 of 3
If you are talking about a 'crisis sanitaria', what are you referring to?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'sanitas' meaning health. It is built from the same root that gave us 'sane' and 'sanitary' in English.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'sanitario' mean the same as 'sano'?
No! 'Sano' means a person or food is healthy. 'Sanitario' refers to the medical system or hygiene. You wouldn't call a healthy salad a 'ensalada sanitaria'!
Can I use 'sanitario' for a bathroom?
Yes, especially in Latin America. It can refer to the room (the bathroom) or the actual toilet fixture.
Is 'sanitario' formal?
It is slightly more formal than 'médico' when used as an adjective, and it's a very common professional term for healthcare staff.