ETS
/e te ˈese/feminine
The English term 'std' can be translated into Spanish as ETS or ITS.
Meaning: sexually transmitted disease (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ETS | /e te ˈese/ | feminine |
| ITS | /ˌi te ˈese/ | feminine |
These acronyms are used to refer to sexually transmitted diseases or infections in Spanish-speaking contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The acronym ETS stands for enfermedades de transmisión sexual.
Which one should you use?
While both are used, ETS refers specifically to enfermedades (diseases), whereas ITS refers to infecciones (infections).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the acronym ETS stands for enfermedades, which is a feminine noun, it takes the feminine plural article las (e.g., las ETS).
How do you pronounce it?
/e te ˈese/
Did you know?
- In colloquial Spanish, people may avoid saying ETS entirely and instead use the phrase tener algo abajo, which literally means 'to have something down there'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase enfermedad venérea is still used in literature or older medical texts, stemming from the word Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
- Medical professionals in Spain and Latin America have increasingly shifted to using ITS over ETS to avoid the stigma and fear associated with the word enfermedad, which translates as 'disease'.
Examples in context
- Se recomienda hacerse pruebas para detectar Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual regularmenteIt is recommended to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases regularly
- Las Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual pueden prevenirse mediante el uso del preservativoSexually transmitted infections can be prevented by using condoms
- La prevención de las Enfermedades Venéreas es importante para la salud sexualPreventing venereal diseases is important for sexual health
- ¿Te has hecho alguna prueba de ETS?Have you been tested for STDs?
- Deberíamos educar a los jóvenes sobre las enfermedades sexualmente contagiosasWe should educate young people about sexually transmitted diseases
- El uso de preservativos ayuda a prevenir infecciones sexualesUsing condoms helps prevent sexually transmitted infections
- Es importante practicar el sexo seguro para prevenir la transmisión de ETS.It's important to practice safe sex to prevent the transmission of STDs.
- Mi médico me recomendó hacerme pruebas para detectar Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual.My doctor recommended getting tested for sexually transmitted infections.
- ¿Sabes dónde puedo conseguir información sobre las ETS en esta área?Do you know where I can find information about STDs in this area?
- Es importante protegerse contra las ETS.It is important to protect oneself against STDs.
- Ella fue al médico para consultar sobre las ETS.She went to the doctor to consult about STDs.
- Los síntomas de las ETS pueden variar mucho.The symptoms of STDs can vary a lot.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are talking about health education at a university.
- Mateo¿Sabías que las ETS se pueden prevenir?Did you know that STDs can be prevented?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, es un tema de salud muy importante.Yes, Mateo, it is a very important health topic.
- MateoLa charla de hoy tratará sobre las ETS.Today's talk will be about STDs.
- SofíaMe parece muy útil para todos.I think it is very useful for everyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “std” translations and entries ETS, ITS, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
