virus
/ˈbiɾus/masculine
The English word virus is translated into Spanish as virus.
The word virus refers to an infectious organism. In scientific or medical settings, you may encounter the more formal expression Agente infeccioso to describe an infectious agent. In casual conversation, people might use the colloquial term Bicho (which means bug) to refer to a virus.
Meaning: infectious organism (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun. When forming the plural, use los virus to say the viruses.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbiɾus/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because of the association with la gripe (the flu), English speakers often mistakenly use the feminine article la before virus. You should use the masculine article instead.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of virus originally referred to 'poison' or 'venom' rather than a biological microscopic entity.
- While bicho literally means 'bug' or 'insect', it is frequently used in Spanish to describe any mysterious illness or virus. A person might say tengo un bicho to mean they have caught a generic, unnamed virus.
- The word virus is an example of an invariable noun in Spanish, meaning the singular and plural forms are spelled identically. The only way to distinguish one 'virus' from many 'viruses' is by changing the article from el to los.
Examples in context
- No es un virus.It's not a virus.This sentence is useful for stating that something is not a virus.Tatoeba #9980800 by manufrutos, translation #3818792 by CK
- ¿Podría ser un virus?Could it be a virus?This sentence is useful for asking if something could be a virus.Tatoeba #3126131 by marcelostockle, translation #2647720 by CK
- Es un virus muy contagioso.It's a very contagious virus.This sentence is useful for describing a virus as being very contagious.Tatoeba #9421461 by ignacio, translation #9422448 by shekitten
- Los científicos están estudiando un nuevo virus que ha surgido recientemente.Scientists are studying a new virus that has recently emerged.
- Hay que cuidarse de ese bicho que está rondando.We have to be careful with that bug that's going around.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing health at home.
- MateoCreo que este virus es muy fuerte.I think this virus is very strong.
- SofíaEspero que no sea algo grave, Mateo.I hope it is nothing serious, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Has visto cómo se transmite el virus?Have you seen how the virus is transmitted?
- SofíaSí, es muy contagioso.Yes, it is very contagious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “virus” translations and entries virus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries virus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
