Inklingo

How to Say "germ" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bicho

/bee-cho//ˈbitʃo/

nounB2informal
Use 'bicho' when referring informally to a pathogen or bacteria that is causing an illness, often implying a 'bug' or minor sickness.
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).

virus

BEE-roos/ˈbiɾus/

nounA2general
Use 'virus' as a general and common term for a microscopic agent that causes illness, like the flu or common cold.
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.)

semillas

/seh-MEE-yahs//seˈmiʎas/

nounB2figurative
Use 'semillas' figuratively to mean the 'seeds' or origin of a movement, idea, or change, not a literal germ causing sickness.
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).

Confusing 'bicho' and 'virus'

Learners often mix up 'bicho' and 'virus'. Remember that 'virus' is the standard, formal term for a disease-causing agent. 'Bicho' is more informal and often implies a minor, unpleasant sickness like a cold or stomach bug, rather than a serious virus.

Related Translations

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