Inklingo

How to Say "healthy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “healthy” is “saludable” — use 'saludable' when referring to things that promote or indicate good health, such as foods, habits, or environments..

English → Spanish

saludable

/sah-loo-DAH-bleh//sa.luˈða.βle/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'saludable' when referring to things that promote or indicate good health, such as foods, habits, or environments.
A simple colorful illustration showing a perfectly ripe red apple resting next to a small bunch of bright green broccoli florets.

Examples

Comer muchas frutas y verduras es muy saludable.

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is very healthy.

Comer muchas frutas y verduras es muy **saludable**.

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is very healthy.

Buscamos un ambiente de trabajo más **saludable** y menos estresante.

We are looking for a more healthful and less stressful work environment.

Ella adoptó hábitos **saludables** después de su viaje.

She adopted healthy habits after her trip.

Gender-Neutral Adjective

Since this word ends in '-ble' (a form of '-able'), it always stays the same regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., el pan saludable, la manzana saludable). You only change it for plurals (saludables).

Saludable vs. Sano

Mistake: “Using *saludable* to mean 'not sick' (e.g., *Estoy saludable*).”

Correction: Use *sano* or *bien* when talking about a person's physical state of not being ill. Use *saludable* for things, habits, or food that promote health. Correction: *Estoy sano* (I am healthy/well).

sano

SAH-noh/ˈsa.no/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'sano' when describing a person or animal that is physically well and free from illness or disease.
A smiling child happily jumping rope outdoors with great energy and vitality.

Examples

Después de la cirugía, el paciente está completamente sano.

After the surgery, the patient is completely healthy.

¿Estás sano? No te vi en clase ayer.

Are you well? I didn't see you in class yesterday.

Gender and Number Agreement

As an adjective, 'sano' must match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it describes: 'un chico sano' (a healthy boy), 'una chica sana' (a healthy girl).

Using 'sano' for 'tasty'

Mistake: “This food is sano.”

Correction: Use 'rico' or 'delicioso' for tasty. While 'sano' means healthy, it doesn't imply flavor.

Sano vs. Saludable

The most common mistake is using 'sano' for food or habits when you should use 'saludable'. Remember, 'sano' directly describes a person or animal's physical state of health, while 'saludable' describes things that contribute to good health.

Related Translations

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