contagiarse
To catch a disease or infection from someone or something.
Contagiarse describes the process of catching an illness or adopting an emotion from an external source.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To catch a disease from someone.
- To acquire an emotion or attitude from others.
- Always used as a reflexive verb.
Summary
Contagiarse describes the process of catching an illness or adopting an emotion from an external source.
- To catch a disease from someone.
- To acquire an emotion or attitude from others.
- Always used as a reflexive verb.
Use the preposition de consistently
Always follow the verb with 'de' when naming the illness. This is the most common grammatical structure for B1 learners.
Do not confuse with infecting
Remember that 'contagiarse' is reflexive. Use 'infectar' if you are the one transmitting the virus to someone else.
Figurative use in Spanish culture
Spanish speakers frequently use this word to describe group dynamics. It implies that moods are contagious like a virus.
Examples
4 of 4Me contagié de gripe en el trabajo.
I caught the flu at work.
El paciente se contagió de una bacteria resistente.
The patient caught a resistant bacteria.
¡No te acerques, no quiero contagiarme!
Don't come near, I don't want to catch it!
La población se contagió de un sentimiento de optimismo.
The population became infected with a feeling of optimism.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'contact'. If you have 'contact' with a germ, you 'contagiar-se' (get it yourself).
Overview
El verbo 'contagiarse' es fundamental en el vocabulario cotidiano, especialmente en contextos de salud. Deriva del sustantivo 'contagio' y se clasifica como un verbo pronominal (reflexivo), lo que indica que la acción recae sobre el sujeto que adquiere la condición. 2) Usage Patterns: Se construye casi siempre con la preposición 'de' para especificar el agente o la enfermedad (ej. 'contagiarse de gripe'). Es común usarlo en tiempos pasados para relatar cómo ocurrió la infección o en futuro para expresar temor. 3) Common Contexts: Se emplea frecuentemente en entornos médicos, familiares y sociales. Además de enfermedades físicas, se usa de forma figurada para hablar de emociones, como cuando alguien 'se contagia de alegría' o de entusiasmo en un grupo. 4) Similar Words comparison: A diferencia de 'infectar' (que suele ser transitivo y enfocado en el agente que causa el daño), 'contagiarse' pone el foco en la experiencia del paciente. 'Transmitir' es el proceso inverso, enfocado en quien emite la enfermedad o emoción, mientras que 'contagiarse' es el acto de recibirla.
Usage Notes
This verb is used in both formal and informal registers. It is essential to remember that it is a reflexive verb, so pronouns like 'me', 'te', 'se' must be used. It is rarely used in the passive voice because the reflexive form already covers the meaning.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget the reflexive pronoun (e.g., saying 'contagié de gripe' instead of 'me contagié'). Another mistake is omitting the preposition 'de' when naming the disease. Finally, some learners use 'contagiar' when they mean they are the ones catching the disease.
Memory Tip
Think of 'contact'. If you have 'contact' with a germ, you 'contagiar-se' (get it yourself).
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'contagium', meaning 'touching' or 'contact'. It evolved to describe the transmission of impurities or diseases through physical proximity.
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, physical contact is common. Therefore, the verb 'contagiarse' is frequently used in discussions about public health and seasonal illnesses, especially during winter months.
Examples
Me contagié de gripe en el trabajo.
everydayI caught the flu at work.
El paciente se contagió de una bacteria resistente.
formalThe patient caught a resistant bacteria.
¡No te acerques, no quiero contagiarme!
informalDon't come near, I don't want to catch it!
La población se contagió de un sentimiento de optimismo.
academicThe population became infected with a feeling of optimism.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
es muy contagioso
it is very contagious
evitar el contagio
to avoid contagion
se contagia por el aire
it is airborne
Often Confused With
Infectarse refers specifically to a wound or area becoming septic or contaminated. Contagiarse refers to the transmission of a disease from one host to another.
Grammar Patterns
Use the preposition de consistently
Always follow the verb with 'de' when naming the illness. This is the most common grammatical structure for B1 learners.
Do not confuse with infecting
Remember that 'contagiarse' is reflexive. Use 'infectar' if you are the one transmitting the virus to someone else.
Figurative use in Spanish culture
Spanish speakers frequently use this word to describe group dynamics. It implies that moods are contagious like a virus.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta.
Ayer fui al hospital porque me ___ de gripe.
El sujeto es 'yo', por lo que se requiere la primera persona del singular.
Elige la opción correcta para el sentido figurado.
Su risa era tan contagiosa que todos se ___ de alegría.
Se refiere a una acción completada en el pasado que afectó a un grupo.
Ordena la frase correctamente.
de / contagiarse / no / quiero / nada
La estructura correcta requiere el pronombre 'me' unido al infinitivo.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsSe utiliza la preposición 'de' para indicar la causa o la enfermedad. Por ejemplo: 'Me contagié de resfriado'.
Sí, se usa a menudo en sentido figurado para emociones. Es muy común decir 'me contagié de su entusiasmo'.
Contagiar es transmitir la enfermedad a otro, mientras que contagiarse es recibirla. El primero es activo hacia otros, el segundo es reflexivo.
Es un verbo de uso neutro y cotidiano. Se utiliza tanto en conversaciones informales como en contextos médicos o periodísticos.
Related Vocabulary
More health words
abdomen
B1The part of the body of a vertebrate containing the digestive organs.
accidentarse
B1To have an accident.
adelgazar
A2To lose weight or become thinner.
además de
B1In addition to.
adicción
B1The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity.
adicto
B1Physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance.
adicto/a
B1Physically or psychologically dependent on a particular substance or activity.
adolorido
B1Feeling pain or soreness.
afección
B1A medical condition, ailment, or affection.
afectivo
B1affective; emotional
