virus del resfriado
/biɾus del ɾesfɾjado/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cold virus" is translated into Spanish as virus del resfriado.
This phrase refers specifically to a virus that causes a common cold.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of virus (virus), del (of the) and resfriado (cold or common cold).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Latin America, particularly Mexico and Colombia, people often refer to a cold as gripa. In Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, people commonly use resfrío to describe a cold.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word virus remains the same in both singular and plural forms in Spanish. To say "cold viruses" (plural), you only change the article to los: los virus del resfriado.
How do you pronounce it?
/biɾus del ɾesfɾjado/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of virus originally meant 'poisonous slime' or 'venom'. This reflects an early understanding of illness as a toxic substance rather than a microscopic organism.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a resfriado is traditionally blamed on un aire, or a 'draft of air', rather than a virus.
- The word resfriado comes from the verb resfriar, which literally means 'to cool down' or 'to chill'. This links the illness directly to the sensation of cold.
Examples in context
- El médico me confirmó que tengo el virus del resfriado.The doctor confirmed that I have the cold virus.
- No puedo asistir a la reunión hoy. Estoy malo con un catarro fuerte.I can't attend the meeting today. I'm sick with a strong cold.
- El virus del resfriado es muy contagioso.The cold virus is very contagious.
- Cuidado con ese virus del resfriado.Watch out for that cold virus.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking at the office.
- SofíaJavier, te ves muy cansado hoy.Javier, you look very tired today.
- JavierCreo que contraje un virus del resfriado.I think I caught a cold virus.
- SofíaDeberías ir a casa a descansar.You should go home to rest.
- JavierTienes razón, Sofía, me siento mal.You are right, Sofía, I feel bad.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries del, virus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
