gérmenes
/xeɾmenes/from spelling rules
The English word "germs" is translated into Spanish as gérmenes.
Gérmenes refers to microscopic organisms that can cause disease.
Which one should you use?
Microorganismos patógenos is a formal term for germs, whereas bichos is a colloquial term used to refer to germs.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeɾmenes/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the idea of 'germs' is often tied to the concept of mal aire, a traditional belief that illness can be caused by harmful winds or spiritual energies.
- The Spanish word gérmen shares a root with the English word 'germinate', reflecting its original Latin meaning of 'sprout' or 'bud'.
- The word gérmenes can also be used in a non-biological sense to describe the 'seeds' or 'origins' of an idea or an idea's development. Much like the English 'germ' of an idea, it refers to a starting point rather than a disease.
Examples in context
- Este producto químico evitará que los gérmenes se reproduzcan.This chemical will prevent germs from breeding.This sentence illustrates the use of gérmenes regarding chemical prevention.Tatoeba #5147786 by albrusgher, translation #60210 by CM
- Por lo que sé, este compuesto químico impedirá que los gérmenes se multipliquen.To the best of my knowledge, this chemical will prevent germs from breeding.This sentence shows how to use gérmenes when discussing chemical compounds.Tatoeba #580552 by Shishir, translation #471342 by CM
- Estudios han revelado que el teclado promedio tiene más gérmenes que un asiento de inodoro.Studies have revealed that the average keyboard has more germs than a toilet seat.This sentence provides a comparison of gérmenes on different surfaces.Tatoeba #7015345 by Eremon, translation #3880533 by patgfisher
- Es esencial lavarse las manos para evitar la propagación de gérmenes.It's essential to wash your hands to avoid the spread of germs.
- Los gérmenes son microorganismos que pueden causar enfermedades.Germs are microorganisms that can cause illness.
- La higiene adecuada ayuda a prevenir la propagación de microorganismos patógenos.Proper hygiene helps prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms.
- El estudio se centró en los efectos de diversos microorganismos patógenos.The study focused on the effects of different pathogenic microorganisms.
- Lava tus manos después de usar el baño para deshacerte de los bichos.Wash your hands after using the bathroom to get rid of the germs.
- No dejes que los bichos te contagien, mantén tu entorno limpio.Don't let the germs infect you, keep your surroundings clean.
- Asegúrate de desinfectar las superficies donde pueden estar los microbios.Make sure to disinfect surfaces where germs can be found.
- Los microbios están por todas partes, mantén una buena higiene para protegerte.Germs are everywhere, maintain good hygiene to protect yourself.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are preparing food in the kitchen.
- LucíaAlejandro, lávate las manos antes de cocinar.Alejandro, wash your hands before cooking.
- AlejandroEstá bien, no quiero que haya gérmenes en la cena.Alright, I don't want there to be germs in the dinner.
- LucíaEs importante para la salud de todos.It is important for everyone's health.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Lucía.You are right, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
