saludable
/saluˈdable/
The English word "wholesome" can be translated into Spanish as saludable.
Saludable is used when you want to describe things that promote physical well-being, such as food, habits or lifestyles.
Meaning: decent, innocuous, sweet (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the noun salud (health), meaning "conducive to health".
Which one should you use?
While saludable can mean 'wholesome' in the sense of being nutritious or good for one's health, it is not used to describe 'wholesome' content or people in a moral or emotional sense. To express the idea of a 'wholesome' person or a 'wholesome' environment (morally sound/innocuous), the word sano is often a more natural choice than saludable.
How do you pronounce it?
/saluˈdable/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, saying ¡salud! after someone sneezes is the equivalent of saying 'bless you' in English.
- The verb saludar, which means 'to greet', shares the same root as saludable and salud, linking the act of greeting someone to wishing them health.
- The word sano, used for a 'wholesome' person, is the root of the English word 'sane', though in Spanish it refers to physical or moral health rather than mental stability.
Examples in context
- Me ha asegurado un conocido estadounidense muy conocedor en Londres que un niño sano joven bien alimentado, es, a la edad de un año, un bocado más delicioso, nutritivo y saludable, ya sea estofado, asado, al horno o hervido, y no dudo que se pueda servir tanto en fricasé como en ragout.I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled, and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout.This sentence uses saludable to describe food that is nutritious and wholesome.Tatoeba #4530963 by cueyayotl, translation #909195 by Scott
- Esa comida es muy saludable para el cuerpo y la mente.That food is very wholesome for the body and mind.
- Llevar una vida sana es fundamental para el equilibrio y el bienestar.Leading a wholesome life is fundamental for balance and well-being.
- ¡Qué rico se ve ese plato! Debe ser muy saludable.That dish looks delicious! It must be very wholesome.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are talking about a new hobby.
- LucíaHe empezado a pintar paisajes los fines de semana.I've started painting landscapes on weekends.
- AlejandroQué actividad más saludable, Lucía.What a wholesome activity, Lucía.
- LucíaSí, me ayuda a relajarme y desconectar.Yes, it helps me relax and disconnect.
- AlejandroEs bueno dedicar tiempo a algo tan tranquilo.It's good to spend time on something so peaceful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry saludable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries saludable, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
