Inklingo

How to Say "germ" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “germ” is “bacteria” — use 'bacterias' when referring to the actual microorganisms responsible for infections or in general discussions about hygiene and health.

English → Spanish

bacteria

bahk-TEH-ryahbakˈteɾja

nounA2general health and hygiene
Use 'bacterias' when referring to the actual microorganisms responsible for infections or in general discussions about hygiene and health.
A colorful group of various microscopic germ shapes.

Examples

Lávate las manos para eliminar las bacterias.

Wash your hands to eliminate the bacteria.

El yogur contiene bacterias beneficiosas para el cuerpo.

Yogurt contains bacteria that are beneficial for the body.

La infección fue causada por una bacteria muy resistente.

The infection was caused by a very resistant bacteria.

Always Feminine

Even though it refers to a tiny organism, 'bacteria' is always a feminine word. Use 'la' for one and 'las' for many.

Singular vs. Plural

In English, people often use 'bacteria' for both one and many. In Spanish, you must use 'bacteria' for just one and 'bacterias' for two or more.

Gender Error

Mistake: “El bacteria es peligrosa.”

Correction: La bacteria es peligrosa. 'Bacteria' is a feminine noun, so it always needs 'la'.

virus

BEE-roosˈbiɾus

nounA2general term for illness cause
Use 'virus' as a general, less precise term for the cause of an illness, particularly for common ailments like colds or flu.
A bright red, spiky, spherical microscopic virus floating in a blue background, depicted in a simple storybook style.

Examples

El resfriado común es causado por un virus.

The common cold is caused by a virus.

Los médicos están buscando una vacuna contra el nuevo virus.

Doctors are looking for a vaccine against the new virus.

Este virus se propaga muy rápidamente en el aire.

This virus spreads very quickly through the air.

Gender Rule

Even though it ends in '-s', 'virus' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el virus' or 'un virus'.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La virus es peligrosa.”

Correction: El virus es peligroso. (Remember to match the adjective ending to the masculine noun.)

bicho

bee-choˈbitʃo

nounB2pathogen or bacteria
Use 'bicho' informally to refer to a bug, germ, or virus that has made you sick, especially when you don't know the exact cause.
Several stylized, brightly colored, simple, blob-like germs floating together.

Examples

Creo que agarré un bicho en el avión y ahora tengo fiebre.

I think I caught a bug/virus on the plane and now I have a fever.

Tienen que limpiar bien para matar todos los bichos.

They have to clean well to kill all the germs.

Catching a Sickness

When referring to catching an illness, Spanish often uses 'agarrar un bicho' (to grab a bug) or 'coger un bicho' (to catch a bug).

germen

HER-menˈxeɾmen

nounB2microbe or bacteria
Use 'germen' specifically when referring to a microbe or bacteria in a biological or sometimes figurative sense, like 'wheat germ'.
A colorful illustration of a microscopic, friendly green bacteria cell with small cilia around its edges.

Examples

El germen de trigo es una gran fuente de vitaminas.

Wheat germ is a great source of vitamins.

Ese desinfectante mata cualquier germen en las manos.

That disinfectant kills any germ on your hands.

El biólogo analizó el germen de la planta bajo el microscopio.

The biologist analyzed the plant's embryo under the microscope.

Gender and Endings

Even though many nouns ending in 'n' are feminine (like 'canción'), 'germen' is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

The Plural Accent Change

When you make 'germen' plural, it becomes 'gérmenes'. You must add an accent mark on the first 'e' to keep the stress on the correct syllable.

Mistaking it only for 'bacteria'

Mistake: “Saying 'germen' when you specifically mean a dirty bacteria.”

Correction: Remember that 'germen' also refers to the healthy part of a grain or seed, like 'germen de trigo'.

semillas

seh-MEE-yahsseˈmiʎas

nounB2figurative start
Use 'semillas' only in a figurative sense to mean the 'seeds' or origin of something, like an idea or movement, never for a literal germ.
A close-up illustration of a single seed that has just cracked open, revealing a bright green seedling emerging from the soil.

Examples

Las protestas de 2019 fueron las semillas del cambio político actual.

The 2019 protests were the seeds of the current political change.

Sembraron las semillas de la duda en el jurado.

They sowed the seeds of doubt in the jury.

Figurative Usage

When used figuratively, 'semillas' often refers to the beginning of a conflict or idea, usually paired with verbs like 'sembrar' (to sow/plant).

Literal vs. Figurative Meanings

The most common mistake is confusing the literal meaning of 'germ' (microbe) with figurative uses. 'Semillas' is exclusively figurative for 'seeds' of an idea, while 'bicho' is informal for any illness-causing agent. 'Bacterias' and 'virus' are more specific for the actual cause of sickness.

Related Translations

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