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How to Say "ailment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

enfermedad

en-fer-meh-DATHen.feɾ.meˈðað

nounA1general
Use 'enfermedad' for common, everyday illnesses like colds, the flu, or stomach bugs.
A simple storybook drawing of a teddy bear sick in bed, symbolized by a red nose and a blanket pulled up to its chin.

Examples

Tengo una enfermedad estomacal.

I have a stomach illness.

La gripe es una enfermedad muy contagiosa.

The flu is a very contagious illness.

El doctor identificó la enfermedad rápidamente.

The doctor identified the disease quickly.

¿Qué enfermedad tiene el niño?

What sickness does the child have?

Gender Rule for '-dad'

Almost all Spanish nouns ending in -dad are feminine. This means you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la enfermedad' (the illness).

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Using 'enfermedad' (noun) when you mean 'enfermo' (adjective): 'El hombre está enfermedad.'”

Correction: Use the adjective 'enfermo' (sick) instead: 'El hombre está enfermo.' 'Enfermedad' is the state of being sick.

afección

nounB2general
Choose 'afección' for a more general or specific physical problem, condition, or disorder that might not be a typical 'illness'.

Examples

El médico diagnosticó una afección cutánea.

The doctor diagnosed a skin condition.

Enfermedad vs. Afección

Learners often use 'enfermedad' for any health problem. Remember that 'enfermedad' is typically for common illnesses, while 'afección' is broader and can refer to less severe or more specific physical conditions or disorders.

Related Translations

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