paperas
/paˈpeɾas/
The English phrase 'mumps' is paperas in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists parotiditis.
Meaning: contagious disease (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| paperas | /paˈpeɾas/ | |
| parotiditis | /paɾotiˈditis/ | feminine |
The term refers to the contagious disease.
Which one should you use?
While paperas is the common term used in everyday conversation, parotiditis is the technical medical term used by doctors.
How does it change in a sentence?
paperas is a feminine plural noun. When referring to the disease, it is almost always used with the definite article las.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈpeɾas/
Did you know?
- The word paperas evokes the image of 'swollen cheeks', which connects the act of 'eating' or 'slurping' to the physical appearance of the patient.
- The common name paperas is actually a derivative of the verb 'papar', which means 'to slurp' or 'to eat greedily'.
Examples in context
- Creo que tiene paperas.I think that he has mumps.This sentence is useful for expressing a suspicion that someone has paperas.Tatoeba #4426538 by Serafin, translation #4425771 by keegi
- Las paperas son una enfermedad contagiosa.Mumps is an infectious disease.This sentence is useful for defining paperas as a contagious disease.Tatoeba #5854114 by arh, translation #65002 by CK
- Me temo que tiene paperas.I'm afraid she may have the mumps.This sentence is useful for expressing a concern that someone may have paperas.Tatoeba #401609 by hermeneggu, translation #65001 by CK
- El paciente tiene paperasThe patient has mumps
- El brote de parotiditis epidémica afecta a la población localThe outbreak of epidemic parotiditis is affecting the local population
- Mi sobrina tiene paperas, así que está en casa en reposoMy niece has mumps, so she's at home resting
- El brote de parotiditis epidémica está afectando a la comunidadThe outbreak of epidemic parotiditis is affecting the community
- Creo que mi hijo puede tener paperitas, tiene las mejillas hinchadasI think my son might have mumps, he has swollen cheeks
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about a sick child at school.
- MateoA su hijo le dieron paperas.His son was diagnosed with mumps.
- Elena¿Es muy contagioso tener paperas?Is having mumps very contagious?
- MateoSí, hay que tener cuidado.Yes, you have to be careful.
- ElenaGracias por avisarme, Mateo.Thanks for letting me know, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mumps” translations and entries paperas, parotiditis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paperas, parotiditis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
