contagioso
/kontaˈxjoso/
The English word "contagious" is translated into Spanish as contagioso. Wiktionary also lists contagiante.
Meaning: of a disease, easily transmitted to others (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| contagioso | /kontaˈxjoso/ |
| contagiante | /kontaˈxjante/ |
The word is used to describe a disease that is easily transmitted to others. Just like in English, you can use contagioso metaphorically to describe non-medical things such as laughter, yawning or enthusiasm.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, contagiante is a popular alternative to express "contagious" in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use contagiosa for feminine nouns, contagiosos for masculine plural nouns and contagiosas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kontaˈxjoso/
Did you know?
- The word contagioso shares a deep linguistic root with the English word 'contact', as both derive from the Latin tangere, meaning 'to touch'.
- While English speakers use 'contagious' for both a disease and a mood, a Spanish speaker might use contagiante to describe a person who is spreading something positive, like joy, to avoid the medical connotation of contagioso.
- While contagioso describes the quality of a disease, the form contagiante is specifically derived from the active participle of the verb contagiar, meaning 'to infect'.
Examples in context
- Es un virus muy contagioso.It's a very contagious virus.This sentence illustrates the use of contagioso to describe a virus.Tatoeba #9421461 by ignacio, translation #9422448 by shekitten
- Los resfriados son contagiosos.Colds are contagious.This sentence shows how to use contagioso when discussing colds.Tatoeba #1218437 by marcelostockle, translation #319747 by CK
- El entusiasmo de Tom es contagioso.Tom's enthusiasm is contagious.This sentence demonstrates the metaphorical use of contagioso to describe enthusiasm.Tatoeba #2968304 by marcelostockle, translation #2958762 by CK
- El virus es altamente contagioso en áreas densamente pobladas.The virus is highly contagious in densely populated areas.
- La enfermedad es altamente infectante y requiere medidas preventivas.The disease is highly contagious and requires preventive measures.
- La enfermedad es altamente transmisible a través del contacto directo.The disease is highly transmissible through direct contact.
- No te acerques demasiado, tengo una gripe muy contagiosa.Don't get too close, I have a very contagious flu.
- El virus es altamente contagiante, por lo que debemos tomar precauciones.The virus is highly contagious, so we must take precautions.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María is telling Daniel why she stayed home from work.
- MaríaNo fui a trabajar porque tengo algo contagioso.I didn't go to work because I have something contagious.
- DanielLo siento, María. ¿Es una gripe fuerte?I'm sorry, María. Is it a bad flu?
- MaríaSí, el médico dice que es muy contagioso.Yes, the doctor says it is very contagious.
- DanielEntonces me mantendré alejado de ti hoy.In that case, I will stay away from you today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “contagious” translations and entries contagioso, contagiante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contagiante, contagioso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
