crónico
/ˈkɾoniko/
The English phrase chronic is translated into Spanish as crónico.
The word crónico is used both in medical contexts to describe conditions that are prolonged or slow to heal, such as a chronic illness and metaphorically to describe persistent negative habits, such as being a chronic liar.
Meaning: medical: prolonged or slow to heal (adj)
Which one should you use?
In a medical context, crónico is the direct antonym of agudo (acute).
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, crónico must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use crónica for feminine singular nouns, crónicos for masculine plural nouns and crónicas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾoniko/
Did you know?
- While crónico describes a lasting illness, the word crónica also refers to a specific journalistic genre of narrative reporting that blends factual news with a chronological story.
- In Spanish, the antonym agudo does not just mean 'acute' in a medical sense, but also describes a sharp sound, a pointed object or a keen intellect.
- The word crónico shares its ancestry with the English word 'chronology', as both stem from the Greek word for 'time'.
Examples in context
- Mi dolor es crónico.My pain is chronic.This sentence is useful for describing personal pain with crónico.Tatoeba #9130752 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9130754 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Ella sufre de estrés crónico.She suffers from chronic stress.This sentence is useful for describing stress with crónico.Tatoeba #10095130 by manufrutos, translation #10089749 by sundown
- Tom es un mentiroso crónico.Tom is a chronic liar.This sentence is useful for describing a liar with crónico.Tatoeba #10978243 by Adelpa, translation #10903463 by Adelpa
- El paciente sufre de dolor crónicoThe patient suffers from chronic pain
- Tengo dolores de cabeza de toda la vidaI have chronic headaches
- El paciente sufre de dolor crónico en las articulaciones.The patient suffers from chronic joint pain.
- Tengo una tos de toda la vida.I have a chronic cough.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about a medical appointment.
- DanielTengo un problema crónico en la espalda.I have a chronic problem in my back.
- Sofía¿Ya fuiste al médico por eso, Daniel?Did you already go to the doctor for that, Daniel?
- DanielSí, pero el dolor es crónico.Yes, but the pain is chronic.
- SofíaEspero que encuentres un tratamiento pronto.I hope you find a treatment soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chronic” translations and entries crónico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crónico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
