urticaria
/uɾtiˈkaɾja/
The Spanish word for hives is urticaria.
The term refers to an itchy rash of red bumps on the skin, which is often the result of an allergic reaction.
How do you pronounce it?
/uɾtiˈkaɾja/
Did you know?
- Etymologically, urticaria is rooted in the Latin word for 'nettle', a plant famous for causing skin irritation.
- Spanish has a specific word roncha that describes not just hives, but also a welt caused by a strike or a slap. This creates a linguistic link between allergic reactions and physical impact marks.
- Because urticaria is a technical term used globally in medicine, it sounds almost identical in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. This makes it a rare word that is instantly recognizable across most Romance languages.
Examples in context
- Si las tocas, te provocan urticaria.If you touch them, you'll get hives.This sentence is useful for showing how touching something can trigger urticaria.Tatoeba #8614974 by arh, translation #9814498 by DJ_Saidez
- El paciente presenta urticaria en diversas partes del cuerpo.The patient has hives in various parts of the body.
- Las ronchas son una reacción alérgica común.Hives are a common allergic reaction.
- Tengo una urticaria muy fuerte en los brazos.I have a very strong case of hives on my arms.
- Ese medicamento puede causarte urticaria.That medicine might cause you hives.
Example conversation
Elena is showing her arm to Javier.
- ElenaMira Javier, me salió urticaria en el brazo.Look Javier, I got hives on my arm.
- JavierParece una reacción alérgica, Elena.It looks like an allergic reaction, Elena.
- ElenaSí, me pica mucho la piel.Yes, my skin is very itchy.
- JavierDeberías ir al médico ahora mismo.You should go to the doctor right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry urticaria, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries urticaria, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
