desnutrición
/desnutɾiθjon/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for poor nutrition is desnutrición.
This phrase describes a condition where the body does not receive enough essential nutrients to maintain health.
What does it mean word for word?
The word desnutrición is composed of the prefix des-, which denotes reversal or removal and nutrición, meaning nutrition.
Which one should you use?
While desnutrición refers specifically to the clinical state of malnutrition, mala nutrición is a more general way to describe a diet that is poor in quality or unbalanced.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you can use mala nutrición or the more colloquial expression comer mal to convey the concept of poor nutrition. In Mexico, the formal alternative alimentarse de forma deficiente can be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun desnutrición is feminine and requires the feminine article la when used with a definite article.
How do you pronounce it?
/desnutɾiθjon/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word nutrir can be used metaphorically to describe how an artist's style is 'nourished' by their influences or studies.
- While desnutrición is the medical term, people often use the phrase está muy flaco to imply poor nutrition in social settings rather than using clinical language.
- In legal and human rights contexts in Spanish, desnutrición is often categorized under the 'right to food' (derecho a la alimentación).
Examples in context
- La mala nutrición puede tener graves consecuencias para la salud.Poor nutrition can have serious consequences for one's health.
- La alimentación deficiente puede llevar a problemas de crecimiento y desarrollo.Inadequate nutrition can lead to growth and development issues.
- Es importante evitar una nutrición desequilibrada y seguir una dieta balanceada.It is important to avoid unbalanced nutrition and follow a well-rounded diet.
- Juan ha estado comiendo muy mal últimamente.Juan has been eating poorly lately.
- Deberíamos prestar más atención a nuestra salud y evitar la mala alimentación.We should pay more attention to our health and avoid poor nutrition.
- La desnutrición infantil es un problema grave.Childhood malnutrition is a serious problem.
- La desnutrición es un problema grave.Malnutrition is a serious problem.
- Debemos prevenir la desnutrición infantil.We must prevent childhood malnutrition.
- Muchos niños sufren de desnutrición crónica.Many children suffer from chronic malnutrition.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing a news report in a cafe.
- Sofía¿Viste la noticia sobre la desnutrición?Did you see the news about malnutrition?
- AlejandroSí, es una situación muy triste.Yes, it is a very sad situation.
- SofíaEl gobierno tiene que actuar pronto.The government has to act soon.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Sofía, es urgente.You are right, Sofía, it is urgent.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
