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

📅 Published: April 2, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

hongo

noun • /[ON-go]/

fungus

Example:

El hongo afecta la piel.

The fungus affects the skin.

🧠 What does hongo mean?

The Spanish word 'hongo' is a noun that translates to 'fungus' in English. In a medical context, it specifically refers to any of a group of fungi that can cause disease in humans and animals, often affecting the skin, hair, nails, or internal organs. This can include conditions like athlete's foot (pie de atleta), ringworm (tiña), or more serious systemic infections.

📚 Extra examples

  • El dermatólogo diagnosticó una infección por hongo en la piel.
    The dermatologist diagnosed a fungal infection of the skin.
  • Es importante tratar los hongos a tiempo para evitar que se propaguen.
    It is important to treat fungal infections promptly to prevent them from spreading.
  • Algunos hongos pueden causar infecciones respiratorias graves.
    Some fungi can cause severe respiratory infections.
  • Se necesita un cultivo para identificar el tipo específico de hongo.
    A culture is needed to identify the specific type of fungus.
  • La candidiasis es una infección común causada por un tipo de hongo.
    Candidiasis is a common infection caused by a type of fungus.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'hongo' encompasses a vast kingdom of organisms, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. In medicine, the study of fungi and the diseases they cause is called mycology.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "hongo"

Synonyms: micosis (medical term for fungal infection), infección fúngica (fungal infection)

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'fungus' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'fungus' is 'hongo'.
How do you pronounce 'hongo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'hongo' is approximately 'OHN-goh'. The 'h' is silent, and the 'o' sounds are similar to the 'o' in 'go'.
How do you use 'hongo' in a sentence?
'Hongo' is used to refer to a fungus, particularly in a medical context when discussing infections. For example: 'Tiene un hongo en el pie.' (He has a fungus on his foot.)
What is the English translation of 'hongo'?
The English translation of 'hongo' is 'fungus'.
Does 'hongo' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'hongo' is a masculine noun and follows standard Spanish pluralization. The singular is 'hongo', and the plural is 'hongos'.
Is 'hongo' common in everyday Spanish?
'Hongo' is common, especially when discussing health-related topics or when referring to mushrooms for consumption. In a medical context, it is frequently used.
Does 'hongo' have slang or double meanings?
While 'hongo' primarily refers to fungus, in some informal contexts, particularly in certain Latin American countries, it can be used to refer to a mushroom for eating. However, its primary and most widespread meaning is fungus, especially in a medical or scientific context.
Is 'hongo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The primary meaning of 'hongo' as 'fungus' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. When referring to edible mushrooms, the word 'champiñón' is often more specific and common in Spain, while 'hongo' can be used more broadly in some Latin American regions for various types of edible fungi.

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