Health is a universally significant topic. When you find yourself in a Spanish-speaking country, be it during travel or living, possessing knowledge of Spanish health expressions becomes indispensable.
In this Spanish class, we present 10 such phrases, empowering you with effective communication in health-related situations.
Spanish expressions on prevention and healthy living
Una manzana al día mantiene al médico en la lejanía
This proverb is all about preventative health and consistency. It means that eating nutritious food (symbolized by the apple) every single day will keep you so healthy that you won’t need to visit the hospital or schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Recuerda, una manzana al día mantiene al médico en la lejanía.
The Core Concept: Small, healthy habits practiced daily are much better than trying to fix a big health problem later.
The More “Local” Alternatives
While the apple proverb is perfectly understood across the entire Spanish-speaking world, if you travel to Spain, you will find that we have our own traditional versions. These sayings share the exact same spirit of health and prevention, but they star the true fruits of the Mediterranean: figs and oranges. Let’s take a look at these traditional gems:
By Saint Simon and Jude, you leave them to ripen
Por San Simón y Judas, las dejas maduras
By All Saints’ Day, figs strike terror into the doctor
Todos los Santos, los higos al médico dan espanto.
Estar en plena forma
Use this expression when you want to express that you feel very healthy. Is like the English expression “In the pink of health.”
If we translate this too literally, it might sound like your body has a perfect ‘shape’, but nothing could be further from the truth! When a Spanish speaker says they are ‘en plena forma’, it means they are at their absolute peak of energy, health, and both physical and mental performance.
The key here lies in the word ‘plena’ (which comes from pleno/a, meaning full, complete, or at its pinnacle). You aren’t just ‘a little’ fit; you are at 100%, bursting with vitality. It’s the equivalent of an athlete being ready for the Olympics, but applied to everyday life.
After following a balanced diet and exercising regularly, I am in the pink of health.
Después de seguir una dieta equilibrada y hacer ejercicio regularmente, estoy en plena forma.
Did you know that in the Spanish-speaking world, when an older person is ‘en plena forma’ (in peak shape), people often jokingly say they are ‘hecho un chaval’ (or ‘hecha una chavala’ for a woman)? ‘Chaval’ means ‘young boy’ or ‘kid’ in Spain. It’s a very affectionate and fun way to praise the vitality of our elders, reminding them that their mind and body are still young.
Quemar calorías
Use this expression when talking about calorie-burning activities, usually in the context of exercise or weight loss.
I need to go for a run to burn off the calories from that dessert
Necesito salir a correr para quemar las calorías del postre.
Did you know that in the Spanish-speaking world, we have a very funny and traditional way of referring to exercising to ‘burn calories’ after a big meal? We call it ‘bajar la comida’ (literally, ‘to lower the food’ or ‘to bring the food down’).
When you finish a massive family feast (like a paella Sunday in Spain or a barbecue asado in Argentina), it’s very common for aunts, uncles, or grandparents to say: ‘Bueno, vamos a dar un paseo para bajar la comida’ (‘Well, let’s go for a walk to walk off a meal’). They aren’t thinking about scientifically counting calories on a mobile app; they are using folk wisdom to describe the process of activating the body to ease digestion and, of course, to start burning off that energy!”
Spanish expressions about illnesses and diseases
Estar pachucho
Use this expression when you feel a bit sick or unwell.
I’m feeling a bit under the weather today. I think I have a cold.
Estoy pachucho hoy. Creo que me he resfriado.
Coger un resfriado
Use this expression when you think you have a cold.
I think I caught a cold from my coworker.
Creo que me he resfriado por culpa de mi compañero de trabajo.
Apretar los dientes
Use this expression when faced with a difficult or uncomfortable health-related situation.
I hate going to the dentist, but I have to bite the bullet and get this tooth fixed.
Odio ir al dentista, pero tengo que armarme de valor y arreglar esta muela.
Sudor frío
Use this expression when you want to describe a reaction of fear or stress.
From a medical standpoint, a cold sweat occurs when the body reacts to an internal stimulus (such as a drop in blood pressure or pain) without the presence of heat or physical exertion. However, in everyday language, native speakers use ‘sudor frío’ (cold sweat) as a powerful metaphor to describe sudden fear, a monumental scare, severe anxiety, or a very unpleasant surprise.
Imagine that moment when you are walking down the street, reach into your pocket, and… you can’t find your phone! That sensation of paralysis, panic, and the chill running down your spine is, quite literally, what we describe as a cold sweat.
Every time I think of surgery, a cold sweat breaks out on my back.
Cada vez que pienso en la cirugía, un sudor frío recorre mi espalda.
Spanish expressions in the doctor
Hacer un chequeo médico
Use this expression when you go for a medical check-up.
I’m going to get a check-up tomorrow to make sure everything is okay.
Mañana me haré un chequeo médico para asegurarme de que todo está bien.
Tomarse la temperatura
Use this expression when you need to measure your body temperature.
I felt hot, so I decided to take my temperature.
Sentía calor, así que decidí tomarme la temperatura.
Recuperándome
Use this spanish expression about health when recovering from illness or injury.
I was sick last week, but I’m on the mend now.
Estuve enfermo la semana pasada, pero ahora estoy recuperándome.
These Spanish health expressions mark the starting point. Continue on your linguistic journey, unearth new ways to express yourself in Spanish. If you have other Spanish health phrases you’re keen on sharing or learning about, don’t hesitate to leave a comment!
Are you ready to continue exploring the fascinating world of spanish expressions? Go ahead!
Resources
Spanish expressions about health
A reference guide for learning Spanish expressions about health
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Exercise about Spanish expressions
Quiz
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