Inklingo

How to Say "affliction" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cruz

/krooz//kɾuθ/

nounB2general
Use 'cruz' when referring to a personal burden, hardship, or suffering that an individual must endure, often with a sense of fate or duty.
A small, simplified figure struggling to carry a disproportionately large and heavy, rough-hewn wooden box strapped to their back.

Examples

Cada persona lleva su propia cruz en la vida.

Every person carries their own cross (burden) in life.

Su enfermedad fue una cruz muy pesada para toda la familia.

His illness was a very heavy cross (burden) for the whole family.

plaga

/PLAH-gah//ˈpla.ɣa/

nounB2general
Use 'plaga' to describe something that causes significant trouble, annoyance, or widespread problems, like a pestilence or a scourge.
A cartoonish character with a frustrated expression swatting their hand at a small, persistent swarm of flies buzzing near their ear.

Examples

La burocracia es la plaga de nuestra sociedad.

Bureaucracy is the curse/scourge of our society.

Ese ruido constante es una plaga para los vecinos.

That constant noise is a nuisance for the neighbors.

La falta de transporte público es una plaga en las afueras de la ciudad.

The lack of public transport is an affliction in the city outskirts.

Using 'Ser' (To Be)

You often use 'ser' (to be) with 'plaga' to describe something that permanently or characteristically causes trouble: 'El tráfico es una plaga' (Traffic is a plague/curse).

Personal Burden vs. Widespread Trouble

Learners often confuse 'cruz' and 'plaga' by using 'cruz' for general societal problems. Remember, 'cruz' is typically for a personal, often long-term, suffering or burden, while 'plaga' signifies a more external, widespread nuisance or problem.

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