Inklingo

How to Say "disease" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “disease” is “enfermedad” — use 'enfermedad' for the general concept of an illness, sickness, or medical condition that affects a person or group.

English → Spanish

enfermedad

en-fer-meh-DATHen.feɾ.meˈðað

nounA1general
Use 'enfermedad' for the general concept of an illness, sickness, or medical condition that affects a person or group.
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

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.

patología

nounB1medical, formal
Use 'patología' when referring to a specific, often diagnosed, medical condition or the study of diseases.

Examples

El paciente no tiene ninguna patología previa.

The patient has no pre-existing conditions.

General vs. Specific Illness

The most common mistake is using 'patología' for any general sickness. Remember that 'enfermedad' is the everyday, common word for illness, while 'patología' is more specific and often used in medical contexts or when referring to a diagnosed condition.

Related Translations

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