sano
/SAH-noh/
healthy
This image shows someone who is sano (healthy) and physically well.
📝 In Action
Después de la cirugía, el paciente está completamente sano.
A1After the surgery, the patient is completely healthy.
¿Estás sano? No te vi en clase ayer.
A2Are you well? I didn't see you in class yesterday.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Number Agreement
As an adjective, 'sano' must match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it describes: 'un chico sano' (a healthy boy), 'una chica sana' (a healthy girl).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'sano' for 'tasty'
Mistake: "This food is sano."
Correction: Use 'rico' or 'delicioso' for tasty. While 'sano' means healthy, it doesn't imply flavor.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Estar'
To talk about someone's current state of health (if they are well right now), use the verb 'estar': 'Estoy sano.' (I am well/healthy.)
Wholesome food, like these fruits and vegetables, is considered sano (wholesome) because it is beneficial for health.
sano(Adjective)
wholesome
?beneficial for health/morals
,hygienic
?clean, sanitary
nutritious
?referring to food
📝 In Action
Comer una dieta sana es esencial para vivir mucho tiempo.
A2Eating a wholesome/healthy diet is essential for living a long time.
Este lugar es muy sano; tiene aire fresco y mucha luz.
B1This place is very healthy; it has fresh air and lots of light.
💡 Grammar Points
Sano vs. Saludable
'Sano' describes the state of being healthy (a person, or a clean environment). 'Saludable' describes something that causes health (a habit, a diet, a food item). They are often interchangeable when talking about food, but 'sano' is more direct.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Diet
When talking about food and diet, 'sano' is the most common adjective used: 'comida sana' (healthy food).
When someone is mentally sano (sound), they are sensible and composed, like this peaceful figure.
sano(Adjective)
sound
?mentally or morally sensible
,intact
?undamaged or whole
sensible
?mentally sound
,unspoiled
?morally pure
📝 In Action
Tiene un criterio sano para tomar decisiones importantes.
B2He has sound judgment for making important decisions.
El jarrón se cayó, pero milagrosamente quedó sano.
B1The vase fell, but miraculously it remained intact.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When 'sano' refers to objects or ideas, it means they are complete, undamaged, or not corrupted, much like 'sound' in English (e.g., 'sound logic').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sano
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sano' in the sense of 'intact' or 'undamaged'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'sano' y 'saludable'?
Both mean 'healthy,' but they are often used differently. 'Sano' usually describes a person or thing that *is* healthy ('El niño está sano'). 'Saludable' usually describes something that *makes* you healthy ('Es una actividad muy saludable'). However, for food, they are often interchangeable, though 'sano' is more common.
Does 'sano' ever mean 'clean' or 'safe'?
Yes, in the context of environment or habits, 'sano' often means wholesome, clean, or hygienic—something safe and beneficial for your health. For example, 'una vida sana' (a healthy/wholesome life).