tengo covid
/tenɡo kobid/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have covid" is translated into Spanish as tengo covid.
This phrase is used to inform others that the speaker is currently infected with the COVID-19 virus.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the phrase Tengo coronavirus to convey that you have COVID-19.
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'I have covid', Spanish speakers frequently use the verb dar, as in me dio covid, which literally means 'covid gave to me'.
- In many Latin American countries, people use the term el bicho (the bug) as a slang way to refer to the virus during casual conversation.
- During the pandemic, the phrase estoy positivo became standard, but since positivo can mean 'optimistic', context is crucial to avoid sounding unexpectedly cheerful about an illness.
Examples in context
- Lo siento, tengo covid.I am sorry, I have covid.
- No puedo ir, tengo covid.I cannot go, I have covid.
- Ayer me enteré de que tengo covid.Yesterday I found out that I have covid.
Example conversation
María calls Mateo to explain why she is staying home.
- MaríaHola Mateo, no puedo ir a la fiesta.Hello Mateo, I cannot go to the party.
- Mateo¿Por qué, María?Why, María?
- MaríaEs que tengo covid.It's just that I have covid.
- MateoLo siento mucho, espero que te recuperes.I am very sorry, I hope you recover.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
