varicela
/baɾiˈθela/
The Spanish word for chickenpox is varicela.
Varicela refers to the highly contagious viral infection characterized by an itchy skin rash and small blisters.
How do you pronounce it?
/baɾiˈθela/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase sacar varicela to describe getting the disease, using a verb that means 'to take out' or 'to pull out' rather than 'to catch'.
- The word varicela is a 'false diminutive', meaning it uses a suffix that usually implies something is 'small' or 'cute' to describe a medical pustule.
- Because varicela and viruela sound so similar, Spanish speakers must be precise with pronunciation to avoid confusing chickenpox with smallpox.
Examples in context
- El niño fue diagnosticado con varicela y debe permanecer en casa durante la semana.The child has been diagnosed with chickenpox and must stay at home for the week.
- La vacunación contra la varicela es fundamental para prevenir la propagación de la enfermedad.Vaccination against chickenpox is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.
- El abuelo desarrolló culebrilla después de haber tenido varicela en su juventud.Grandpa developed shingles after having had chickenpox in his youth.
- Lo contraje en la escuela.I contracted it at school.
- Mi hermanita desarrolló varicela después del contacto con otro niño infectado.My little sister developed chickenpox after contact with another infected child.
- Mi primo tuvo varicela cuando era pequeño.My cousin had chickenpox when he was little.
- La varicela es muy contagiosa y se propaga fácilmente.Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads easily.
- Tiene ampollas rojas y con picazón por todo el cuerpo.They have red and itchy blisters all over the body.
- Las ampollas se llenan de líquido y luego forman costras.The blisters fill with fluid and then scab over.
- El niño tiene varicela.The boy has chickenpox.
- La varicela es muy contagiosa.Chickenpox is very contagious.
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about their son's health at home.
- Javier¿Cómo está el niño?How is the boy?
- MaríaTiene varicela y tiene mucha picazón.He has chickenpox and is very itchy.
- JavierPobre, espero que se recupere pronto.Poor thing, I hope he recovers soon.
- MaríaGracias, Javier, ya le di la medicina.Thanks, Javier, I already gave him the medicine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry varicela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
