bacteria
/baɡteɾja/from spelling rules
The English phrase "bacteria" is translated into Spanish as bacteria.
The term bacteria refers to single-celled microorganisms that can be found everywhere and some of which cause diseases. It is a feminine noun.
Which one should you use?
While bacteria is used in Spanish, you may also see the form bacterias. In Spanish, bacteria can be used as a singular noun, whereas bacterias is a very common plural form used when referring to multiple types or groups of bacteria.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike in English, where "bacteria" is plural and "bacterium" is singular, the Spanish word bacteria is used for both the singular and the plural forms. To refer specifically to a single bacterium, use una bacteria.
How do you pronounce it?
/baɡteɾja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to use a Latin-style singular form, but in Spanish you should use una bacteria to refer to a single bacterium.
Did you know?
- In casual Spanish conversation, people often use the word bicho meaning 'bug' or 'critter' to refer to bacteria and other germs.
- The word bacteria shares a linguistic root with the Spanish word bastón meaning 'cane' or 'staff'.
- While bacteria is the scientific term, Spanish speakers frequently use microbios to describe the same organisms in a domestic or hygiene context.
Examples in context
- Las bacterias son microorganismos.Bacteria are microscopic organisms.This sentence demonstrates the use of bacteria as a plural noun.Tatoeba #5056400 by don_ramon, translation #681666 by Source_VOA
- Esa enfermedad es causada por una bacteria.That disease is caused by bacteria.This sentence shows how to use bacteria to refer to a single bacterium.Tatoeba #1238643 by hayastan, translation #680328 by Source_VOA
- Las bacterias generalmente forman colonias.Bacteria usually form colonies.This sentence illustrates the use of bacteria in a plural context.Tatoeba #1611154 by hayastan, translation #1690444 by marcelostockle
- La bacteria es un componente esencial de la flora intestinal.Bacteria is an essential component of the intestinal flora.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about hand hygiene in the kitchen.
- LucíaLávate las manos para eliminar las bacteria.Wash your hands to eliminate the bacteria.
- MateoTienes razón, no quiero enfermarme.You are right, I don't want to get sick.
- LucíaEl jabón mata la mayoría de las bacteria.Soap kills most of the bacteria.
- MateoGracias por recordármelo, Lucía.Thanks for reminding me, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
