anginas
/anˈxinas/
In Spanish, anginas is the term used to refer to the inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis).
The term anginas is used specifically to describe the medical condition of having inflamed tonsils in the throat.
How do you pronounce it?
/anˈxinas/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the Spanish word anginas to mean the anatomical structure 'tonsils', whereas in Spanish anginas specifically refers to the inflammation (tonsillitis) of those tonsils.
Did you know?
- The word angina shares a root with the English word 'angina', which refers to chest pain. Both derive from the Greek word for 'strangling' or 'choking'.
- In many Hispanic cultures, a common home remedy for anginas involves gargling with warm salt water or honey and lemon before seeking antibiotics.
- The word anginas is a feminine plural noun, but it is often used as a collective condition. You will hear tengo anginas rather than tengo una angina.
Examples in context
- Tengo las anginas muy inflamadas.My tonsils are very inflamed.
- El médico me dijo que son las anginas.The doctor told me it is tonsillitis.
- Me duelen mucho las anginas al tragar.My tonsils hurt a lot when I swallow.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about Elena's health at home.
- ElenaNo puedo comer nada por las anginas.I can't eat anything because of my tonsillitis.
- MateoLo siento mucho, Elena.I am very sorry, Elena.
- ElenaEs un dolor muy fuerte.It is a very strong pain.
- MateoDeberías ir al médico hoy mismo.You should go to the doctor today.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anginas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
