benigno
/beˈniɡno/
The English word 'benign' translates to Spanish as benigno.
In a medical context, benigno is used to describe something that does not pose a serious threat to health.
Meaning: (medicine) not posing any serious threat to health (adj)
Which one should you use?
In a medical context, benigno is the direct antonym of maligno (malignant).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form benigna for feminine nouns, such as enfermedad (disease). Use the masculine plural form benignos when modifying masculine plural nouns like tumores (tumors). Use the feminine plural form benignas when modifying feminine plural nouns like lesiones (lesions).
How do you pronounce it?
/beˈniɡno/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the opposite maligno is used not only for tumors but also to describe 'evil' spirits or demons in a supernatural context.
- In certain poetic contexts in Spanish, benigno is used to describe the light of the sun or the moon when it is not harsh or blinding.
- The Latin root of benigno is shared with the English word 'benefit', as both stem from the root for 'well' and 'good'.
Examples in context
- Este tumor es benigno.This tumor is benign.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the form benigno.Tatoeba #2082794 by marcelostockle, translation #12995076 by araneo
- La lesión es benignaThe lesion is benign
- El tumor resultó benignoThe tumor turned out to be benign
- El medicamento es inofensivoThe medication is benign
- La reacción fue inofensivaThe reaction was benign
- El diagnóstico fue benigno según los análisis médicosThe diagnosis was benign according to the medical tests
- La intervención quirúrgica resultó ser benignaThe surgical procedure turned out to be benign
- El diagnóstico fue que el quiste es benigno.The diagnosis was that the cyst is benign.
- Espero que el resultado de la biopsia sea benigno.I hope the biopsy result is benign.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking at a hospital after a checkup.
- JavierElena, ¿qué te dijo el médico sobre el tumor?Elena, what did the doctor tell you about the tumor?
- ElenaPor suerte, me dijo que es un bulto benigno.Luckily, he told me it is a benign lump.
- JavierMenos mal, me alegro mucho de que sea benigno.Thank goodness, I am very happy that it is benign.
- ElenaSí, ahora puedo estar mucho más tranquila.Yes, now I can be much more at peace.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “benign” translations and entries benigno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries benigno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
