patógeno
/paˈtoxeno/
The English word "pathogenic" is translated into Spanish as patógeno. Wiktionary also lists patogénico.
Meaning: able to cause disease (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| patógeno | /paˈtoxeno/ |
| patogénico | /patoˈxeniko/ |
Both terms describe something that is able to cause disease.
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean "pathogenic", patógeno is the more common and standard term used in both general and scientific contexts. Patogénico serves as a more technical synonym.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective patógeno must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, changing to patógena for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈtoxeno/
Did you know?
- Although they look similar, the word pato in Spanish means 'duck', which is entirely unrelated to the scientific term patógeno.
- The suffix -geno in patógeno comes from the same Ancient Greek root as the English word 'gene', meaning 'to produce' or 'to beget'.
- The term patógeno is used in Spanish to describe not only biological agents like bacteria but also chemical or physical factors that cause illness.
Examples in context
- Estos microorganismos son patogénicos para los humanosThese microorganisms are pathogenic to humans
- La bacteria es un agente productor de enfermedadesThe bacteria is a disease-causing agent
- Este virus es altamente patógenoThis virus is highly pathogenic
- La investigación se centra en los agentes patogénicos responsables de la enfermedadThe research focuses on the pathogenic agents responsible for the disease
- Muchas enfermedades son causadas por bacterias patogénicasMany diseases are caused by pathogenic bacteria
- Ese microorganismo es muy patógeno.That microorganism is very pathogenic.
- Cuidado con cualquier agente patógeno.Be careful with any pathogenic agent.
Example conversation
Two scientists are discussing a sample in a lab.
- JavierLucía, ¿ya analizaste la muestra de agua?Lucía, did you analyze the water sample yet?
- LucíaSí, Javier, y encontré un microorganismo patógeno.Yes, Javier, and I found a pathogenic microorganism.
- JavierEso es preocupante para la salud pública.That is worrying for public health.
- LucíaExacto, necesitamos informar a las autoridades ahora.Exactly, we need to inform the authorities now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pathogenic” translations and entries patógeno, patogénico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries patogénico, patógeno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
