Spanish word

enfermo

Pronunciation

IPA/enˈfeɾmo/

Meaning

  • adjectivesick

Example

Estoy enfermo.

I am sick.

Illustration for enfermo (sick)

More examples

Mi hijo se puso enfermo anoche.

My son got sick last night.

Core concept

Person sitting wrapped in a blanket looking unwell.

Common phrases

  • estar enfermo

    be sick

  • ponerse enfermo

    get sick

  • muy enfermo

    very sick

Similar words

indispuesto: Feels mildly unwell with nausea or sluggishness that hinders routine tasks.
resfriado: Has a cold with runny nose, cough, and other typical cold symptoms.
mareado: Feels dizzy or lightheaded, as if the room is spinning or balance is off.
débil: Lacks physical strength and feels unusually weak or easily exhausted.

Definition in Spanish

Que padece una enfermedad o siente malestar físico; adjetivo que describe el estado temporal de salud de una persona.

Word origin

Spanish enfermo derives from Latin infirmus (in- 'not' + firmus 'strong') through Old Spanish, shifting in sense from 'not strong' to 'sick'.

Usage tips

  • Enfermo describes a temporary health state and therefore typically pairs with estar rather than ser, with the adjective matching the person's gender.

Other meanings

  • patientnoun
  • sick personnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word