Inklingo

How to Say "health" in Spanish

English → Spanish

salud

/sa-lood//saˈlud/

nounA1general
Use 'salud' when referring to a person's general physical or mental condition, or the state of well-being.
A joyful, energetic child with bright cheeks happily jumping high in the air above green grass under a bright sun, symbolizing excellent health.

Examples

La salud es lo más importante.

Health is the most important thing.

Hago ejercicio para cuidar mi salud.

I exercise to take care of my health.

El sistema de salud pública necesita más inversión.

The public health system needs more investment.

Always Feminine

Even though it doesn't end in '-a', 'salud' is a feminine word. So, you always say 'la salud' (the health) or 'buena salud' (good health).

'Salud' vs. 'Sanidad'

Mistake: “Mi sanidad es buena.”

Correction: Mi salud es buena. 'Salud' refers to your personal health. 'Sanidad' usually refers to the public health system as a whole.

sanitario

/sah-nee-tah-ree-oh//saniˈtaɾjo/

adjectiveA2formal
Use 'sanitario' when talking about the medical system, public health services, or things related to hygiene and sanitation.
A shiny red first aid kit with a white cross on the front, sitting on a clean surface.

Examples

El sistema sanitario de este país es excelente.

The health system of this country is excellent.

Necesitamos más material sanitario en el hospital.

We need more medical supplies in the hospital.

Las autoridades sanitarias recomiendan lavarse las manos.

Health authorities recommend washing your hands.

Matching the Ending

Since this is an adjective, it must match the word it describes. Use 'sanitario' for masculine words (el sistema) and 'sanitaria' for feminine words (la crisis).

Health vs. Healthy

Mistake: “Un hombre sanitario.”

Correction: Un hombre sano. Use 'sanitario' for things related to the medical system, but 'sano' for a person who is in good health.

Salud vs. Sanitario

The most common mistake is using 'salud' when you mean the medical system. Remember, 'salud' is about a person's state of being, while 'sanitario' refers to the infrastructure and services that support health.

Related Translations

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