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contagioso means contagious — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 15, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

contagioso

adjective • /[kon-tah-HYOH-soh]/

contagious

Example:

El virus es muy contagioso por contacto directo.

The virus is very contagious through direct contact.

🧠 What does contagioso mean?

Contagioso is a Spanish adjective that describes something capable of being transmitted from one person or organism to another, typically by direct contact. It's most often used in the context of diseases, but it can also refer to emotions, laughter, or even ideas that spread rapidly.

📚 Extra examples

  • La varicela es una enfermedad muy contagiosa.
    Chickenpox is a very contagious disease.
  • Su risa es contagiosa.
    Their laughter is contagious.
  • El entusiasmo del equipo era contagioso.
    The team's enthusiasm was contagious.
  • Ese bostezo fue contagioso.
    That yawn was contagious.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'contagioso' comes from the Latin word 'contagiosus', which means 'touching together'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "contagioso"

Synonyms: transmisible, infeccioso
Opposites: no contagioso, intransmisible

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'contagious' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'contagious' is 'contagioso'.
How do you pronounce 'contagioso' in Spanish?
It's pronounced kon-tah-hee-OH-so. The stress falls on the 'O' in the fourth syllable.
How do you use 'contagioso' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'El virus es contagioso' (The virus is contagious), or 'Su alegría es contagiosa' (Their joy is contagious).
What is the English translation of 'contagioso'?
'Contagioso' translates to 'contagious' in English.
Does 'contagioso' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'contagioso' changes to agree with the noun it modifies. For example, 'un virus contagioso' (a contagious virus) becomes 'una enfermedad contagiosa' (a contagious disease) in the feminine, and 'virus contagiosos' (contagious viruses) in the plural.
Is 'contagioso' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'contagioso' is relatively common, especially when discussing illnesses or describing something that spreads quickly.
Does 'contagioso' have slang or double meanings?
While 'contagioso' primarily refers to the transmission of diseases or emotions, it doesn't have any significant slang or double meanings.
Is 'contagioso' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'contagioso' are generally the same across Spain and Latin America.

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