sífilis
/ˈsifilis/feminine
The Spanish word for syphilis is sífilis. Wiktionary also lists gálico.
Meaning: sexual disease caused by Treponema pallidum (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sífilis | /ˈsifilis/ | feminine |
| gálico | /ˈɡaliko/ |
The term refers to the sexual disease caused by Treponema pallidum.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, the informal word pian might be used to refer to syphilis.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun sífilis is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsifilis/
Did you know?
- The term gálico reflects an old Spanish habit of blaming the 'Gauls' or French for the disease, which was often called the 'French disease' across Europe.
- While pian is used as a slang term for syphilis in Argentina and Uruguay, it actually refers to a different treponemal disease called yaws in other medical contexts.
- In historical Spanish literature, syphilis was often referred to as el mal francés to avoid the stigma of the clinical name.
Examples in context
- El paciente fue diagnosticado con sífilis.The patient was diagnosed with syphilis.
- La sífilis es una enfermedad de transmisión sexual.Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease.
- El tratamiento para la sífilis es efectivo si se detecta a tiempo.Treatment for syphilis is effective if detected early.
- La sífilis es una enfermedad grave.Syphilis is a serious disease.
- Él fue diagnosticado con sífilis.He was diagnosed with syphilis.
- Es importante prevenir la sífilis.It is important to prevent syphilis.
Example conversation
A doctor's office during a medical consultation.
- SofíaLos resultados muestran que tiene sífilis.The results show that you have syphilis.
- Javier¿Es muy peligrosa la sífilis?Is syphilis very dangerous?
- SofíaPuede serlo si no se trata.It can be if it is not treated.
- JavierEntiendo, gracias por la información.I understand, thank you for the information.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “syphilis” translations and entries sífilis, gálico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
