crónico
/ˈkɾoniko/
The English phrase "kronik" is translated into Spanish as crónico.
The word can be used both literally in medicine (e.g., a chronic illness) and figuratively to describe a persistent or habitual state (e.g., a chronic liar).
Which one should you use?
In a medical context, crónico is used to describe long-term conditions, contrasting with agudo (acute) which describes sudden or short-term conditions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use the feminine form crónica for feminine nouns. The adjective must agree in number with the noun it modifies, so use the masculine plural form crónicos for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form crónicas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾoniko/
Did you know?
- The word crónica is also a specific literary genre in Spanish journalism. A crónica is not just a report of events but a detailed narrative that blends factual reporting with the author's personal perspective and style.
- The feminine form crónica can also mean 'chronicle' as a noun. This means a sentence could potentially contain both the adjective and the noun, such as una crónica crónica to describe a long-running series of reports.
- Spanish distinguishes between crónico and recurrente. While crónico means a condition that persists without stopping, recurrente describes a problem that disappears and returns periodically.
Examples in context
- Es un problema crónico de la empresa.It is a chronic problem for the company.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about Mateo's health.
- MateoMe siento muy cansado últimamente, María.I feel very tired lately, María.
- MaríaParece que es un cansancio crónico.It seems like it is chronic fatigue.
- MateoCreo que debo ir al médico pronto.I think I should go to the doctor soon.
- MaríaSí, Mateo, es mejor buscar ayuda.Yes, Mateo, it is better to seek help.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry crónico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
