Spanish word

higiene

Pronunciation

IPA/iˈxjene/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhygiene

Example

La higiene personal previene muchas enfermedades.

Personal hygiene prevents many diseases.

Illustration for higiene (hygiene)

More examples

La higiene bucal ayuda a prevenir las caries.

Oral hygiene helps prevent cavities.

Core concept

A state or set of habits that maintain health through cleanliness and personal care.

Common phrases

  • higiene bucal

    oral hygiene

  • higiene personal

    personal hygiene

Similar words

aseo: Personal tidying and grooming focused on feeling clean and avoiding discomfort.
limpieza: Removal of dirt, dust, and waste to make places or objects visibly clean.
desinfección: Treating surfaces or items with chemicals or heat to kill bacteria and viruses.
sanidad: Public systems, regulations, and services that protect and promote community health.

Definition in Spanish

Estado o conjunto de hábitos que favorecen la salud mediante la limpieza y el cuidado personal.

Word origin

The word traces back to Greek ἰγιειν- 'healthy', passing through Latin and French before becoming higiene in Spanish.

Usage tips

  • Speakers commonly use phrases like higiene personal, higiene bucal, or higiene alimentaria to make the subject explicit.

Opposites

  • suciedaddirtnoun
  • insalubridadunhygienic conditionsnoun

Related words

  • higiénicohygienicadjective
  • higienizarsanitizeverb
  • higienistahygienistnoun

Word lists with this word