viruela del mono
/biɾwela del mono/from spelling rules
The English phrase monkeypox is translated into Spanish as viruela del mono.
The term refers to a viral disease that causes rashes and flu-like symptoms in humans and animals. In medical and journalistic contexts, the term mpox is also used in Spanish to avoid the stigma associated with the word 'monkey'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase viruela del mono is composed of viruela (smallpox/pock) and del mono (of the monkey).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, monkeypox is commonly referred to as virus de la viruela del mono.
How do you pronounce it?
/biɾwela del mono/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word mono and the English word 'monkey' both share an ancient root in the Arabic word maymūn, which originally referred to baboons and mandrills.
- The word mono in Spanish has several meanings beyond 'monkey', including 'cute' in Spain or 'one' in a lottery drawing.
- In Spanish, viruela is used for both 'monkeypox' and 'smallpox', because the latter is simply called viruela on its own.
Examples in context
- La viruela del mono es una enfermedad viral transmitida por animales.Monkeypox is a viral disease transmitted by animals.
- La viruela del mono es una enfermedad viral.Monkeypox is a viral disease.
- Los médicos están estudiando la viruela del mono.Doctors are studying monkeypox.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing recent health news at a cafe.
- Javier¿Has oído hablar de la viruela del mono?Have you heard about monkeypox?
- MaríaSí, lo vi en las noticias esta mañana.Yes, I saw it on the news this morning.
- JavierParece que la viruela del mono está aumentando.It seems that monkeypox is increasing.
- MaríaEspero que las autoridades controlen la situación.I hope the authorities control the situation.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries del, mono, viruela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
