enfermedad
/enfeɾmeˈdad/feminine
The English phrase 'disease' is translated into Spanish as enfermedad. Wiktionary also lists mal.
Meaning: an abnormal condition of the body causing discomfort or dysfunction (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| enfermedad | /enfeɾmeˈdad/ | feminine |
| mal | /ˈmal/ |
The word refers to an abnormal condition of the body that causes discomfort or dysfunction. If you want to express the action of falling ill or contracting a disease, you can use the related verb enfermar.
How do you pronounce it?
/enfeɾmeˈdad/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the noun enfermedad (disease) when they intend to say someone is enfermo (sick).
Did you know?
- While enfermedad is the standard term for a disease, the word mal is frequently used in traditional folk medicine to describe unspecified ailments, such as el mal de ojo or 'the evil eye'.
- The term mal is used in Spanish to describe both a biological disease and a moral failing, reflecting a historical view that sickness and sin were linked.
- The word enfermedad shares a root with the English word 'infirmity', both descending from the Latin for 'weakness'.
Examples in context
- Él murió de esa enfermedad.He died of that disease.This example shows how to use enfermedad to describe the cause of death.Tatoeba #1332223 by Shishir, translation #291248 by CK
- Es una enfermedad incurable.It's an incurable disease.This sentence uses enfermedad to describe a condition that cannot be cured.Tatoeba #7747559 by arh, translation #9883297 by DJ_Saidez
- Es una enfermedad erradicada.It's an eradicated disease.This sentence uses enfermedad to describe a condition that has been eradicated.Tatoeba #7747539 by arh, translation #13899544 by rul
- Tengo una enfermedad crónica que requiere tratamiento constante.I have a chronic disease that requires constant treatment.
- El paciente está sufriendo un padecimiento del corazón.The patient is suffering from a heart disease.
- Mi hermana padece una afección respiratoria crónica.My sister suffers from a chronic respiratory condition.
- Estoy lidiando con una dolencia estomacal.I'm dealing with a stomach ailment.
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a health article.
- AlejandroEsta enfermedad es muy común en invierno.This disease is very common in winter.
- LucíaSí, pero se puede prevenir fácilmente.Yes, but it can be prevented easily.
- Alejandro¿Cuál es el síntoma de la enfermedad?What is the symptom of the disease?
- LucíaNormalmente causa mucha fiebre y cansancio.It normally causes a high fever and fatigue.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disease” translations and entries enfermedad, mal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enfermedad, mal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
