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enfermarse

A2 verb #3,000 most common 10 min read

enfermarse

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips enfermarse in 30 Seconds

Explanation enfermarse in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should focus on the most basic use of 'enfermarse'. This usually involves the present tense and simple reflexive pronouns. You learn that 'enfermarse' means 'to get sick.' It is important to realize that the 'se' at the end changes based on who is getting sick. For example, 'Yo me enfermo' (I get sick). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex tenses. You might use it to tell a teacher or a friend why you aren't feeling well or to explain a simple fact like 'I get sick in the winter.' The focus is on recognizing the word and knowing it requires 'me, te, se'. You should also learn the difference between 'enfermo' (the adjective/noun) and 'enfermarse' (the action). If you say 'Estoy enfermo,' you are sick now. If you say 'Me enfermo,' you are describing the process. A1 learners often forget the reflexive pronoun, so practicing 'me enfermo, te enfermas' is the primary goal here.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'enfermarse' in the past tense (preterite) and with helping verbs like 'ir a' (going to). This is the level where you start describing events that happened. 'Me enfermé el fin de semana' (I got sick over the weekend) is a classic A2 sentence. You also learn to use it in the infinitive form with other verbs: 'No quiero enfermarme' (I don't want to get sick). At A2, you should also be able to specify what you are sick with using the preposition 'de', such as 'Me enfermé de la gripe' (I got sick with the flu). You are moving beyond simple labels and starting to tell short stories or provide reasons for your actions. Understanding that 'enfermarse' is a change of state (from healthy to sick) becomes more clear at this level as you compare it to 'estar enfermo'. You might also start to notice the word in warnings from others, like 'Vas a enfermarte si no te pones un abrigo.'

At the B1 level, you use 'enfermarse' in more complex grammatical structures, including the imperfect tense and the present subjunctive. You use the imperfect to describe habits in the past: 'Cuando era niño, me enfermaba mucho' (When I was a child, I used to get sick a lot). The subjunctive is crucial for expressing wishes, fears, or doubts: 'Espero que no se enfermen' (I hope they don't get sick). You also start using 'enfermarse' with conditional sentences: 'Si no comieras tanto dulce, no te enfermarías' (If you didn't eat so much candy, you wouldn't get sick). At this stage, your vocabulary expands to include reasons and circumstances, using 'por' for causes: 'Se enfermó por el estrés del trabajo.' You are able to discuss health in a more nuanced way, participating in conversations about prevention and medical history. You also distinguish more clearly between 'enfermarse' and its synonyms like 'ponerse malo' or 'resfriarse'.

At the B2 level, 'enfermarse' is used fluently in all tenses, including the past subjunctive and compound tenses. You can discuss hypothetical situations with ease: 'Si me hubiera enfermado, no habría podido venir' (If I had gotten sick, I wouldn't have been able to come). You also begin to understand the figurative uses of the verb. For example, you might hear 'enfermarse de poder' (to become corrupted by power) or 'enfermarse de celos' (to become consumed by jealousy). At B2, you are expected to use the correct prepositions ('de' vs 'por') instinctively and to understand the difference between 'enfermarse' (the process) and 'enfermar' (the transitive action of making someone else sick or something being sickening). You can describe public health issues, such as how a population 'se enferma' due to environmental factors. Your use of the word is no longer just about personal health but can extend to social and abstract contexts.

At the C1 level, your use of 'enfermarse' is sophisticated and precise. You understand the stylistic difference between 'enfermarse' and 'caer enfermo' (a more literary/formal way to say fall ill). You can use the verb in complex argumentative contexts, perhaps discussing how 'la sociedad se enferma' (society becomes sick/dysfunctional) due to certain ideologies or economic conditions. You are also familiar with idiomatic expressions and the nuances of register—knowing when to use 'enfermarse' versus 'pillar una enfermedad' or 'contraer un mal'. Your grammar is flawless, and you can use the verb in advanced structures like 'El hecho de que se enfermara tanto preocupó a los médicos' (The fact that he got sick so much worried the doctors). You also recognize the transitive 'enfermar' in its psychological sense: 'Esa situación me enferma' (That situation sickens/disgusts me). At this level, the word is a versatile tool for both medical and metaphorical expression.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'enfermarse' and its related forms. You can appreciate its use in high literature, where it might be used to describe the decay of a soul, a landscape, or an era. You understand the etymological roots and how they connect to words like 'infirmary' or 'enfermedad'. You can navigate technical medical discussions where 'enfermarse' might be replaced by more specific clinical terms, but you also know how to use it with perfect naturalness in the most informal slang. You can debate the philosophical implications of 'enfermarse' as a human condition. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word with subtle irony or sarcasm. You are perfectly comfortable with all regional variations of the term across the Spanish-speaking world, understanding that while 'enfermarse' is universal, the surrounding idioms and preferred alternatives (like 'achucharse' in some regions) vary. You use the word with the same nuance and depth as a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

enfermarse in 30 Seconds

To transition from healthy to sick.
A reflexive verb requiring 'me, te, se'.
Used for both physical and mental illness.
Common in daily health discussions.

The verb enfermarse is a fundamental Spanish term that translates to 'to get sick' or 'to fall ill' in English. It is a pronominal verb, meaning it is almost always used with reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) to indicate a change in the subject's state of health. While the base verb 'enfermar' exists and means 'to make someone else sick' or 'to cause illness,' the reflexive form enfermarse focuses on the person experiencing the onset of symptoms. In Spanish-speaking cultures, discussing health is a common social ritual, and enfermarse is the go-to word for describing the transition from feeling well to feeling unwell.

Grammar Category: Pronominal Verb (Reflexive usage for change of state).

Core Concept: The process of becoming ill, rather than the state of being ill (which is 'estar enfermo').

Siempre me enfermo cuando empieza el invierno.

Es muy fácil enfermarse si no duermes lo suficiente.

Juan se enfermó después de comer esos mariscos.

No queremos que los niños se enfermen durante las vacaciones.

Si sigues trabajando así, vas a terminar por enfermarte.

Typical Contexts: Changes in weather, food poisoning, spreading of viruses, or stress-related physical collapses.

When you use 'enfermarse', you are describing the event of falling ill. For instance, if you say 'Me enfermé el lunes,' you are pinpointing the start of the illness. If you say 'Estoy enfermo,' you are describing your current state. This distinction is vital for accurate communication in medical or casual settings. The word encompasses everything from a minor cold (resfriado) to serious conditions, though it is most frequently used for common ailments. In a broader, more metaphorical sense, 'enfermarse' can also describe a society or an organization becoming dysfunctional or corrupt, though this is a more advanced (C1/C2) usage. For most learners, focusing on the physical aspect of catching a bug is the priority. Understanding the reflexive nature is the key: you aren't 'sick-ing' something else; the action reflects back on you. Therefore, 'Yo enfermé' sounds incomplete or archaic in modern spoken Spanish; 'Yo me enfermé' is the natural, everyday choice.

Using enfermarse correctly requires a solid grasp of reflexive pronouns and verb conjugation. As a regular -ar verb, its endings are predictable, but the placement of the 'me, te, se, nos, os, se' is where many English speakers stumble. In the present tense, the pronoun precedes the conjugated verb: 'Me enfermo' (I get sick). In the preterite, which is very common for this word, you might say 'Se enfermó ayer' (He/She got sick yesterday). When using the infinitive with another verb, the pronoun can either go before the first verb or be attached to the end of the infinitive: 'Me puedo enfermar' or 'Puedo enfermarme' (I can get sick).

Preterite Tense: Used to indicate a specific moment someone fell ill. Example: 'Nos enfermamos durante el viaje' (We got sick during the trip).

Imperfect Tense: Used to describe a tendency or a state in the past. Example: 'De niño, me enfermaba con frecuencia' (As a child, I used to get sick often).

Espero que no te enfermes con este frío.

Si no te lavas las manos, te vas a enfermar.

Muchos estudiantes se enfermaron de gripe la semana pasada.

¿Crees que es posible enfermarse por estrés?

Mi abuelo casi nunca se enfermaba.

Sentence Structure: Subject + Reflexive Pronoun + Conjugated Verb + (Optional: Cause/Time). Example: 'María se enfermó por la lluvia.'

The nuances of enfermarse also extend to the cause. You can say 'enfermarse de' (to get sick with [a specific illness]) or 'enfermarse por' (to get sick because of [a cause like cold or stress]). For example, 'Se enfermó de pulmonía' vs. 'Se enfermó por el aire acondicionado.' This precision allows learners to explain medical situations clearly. Furthermore, in the future tense, 'me enfermaré' sounds quite certain and perhaps a bit dramatic, whereas 'me voy a enfermar' is the standard way to express a likely future illness. Always remember that the reflexive pronoun is non-negotiable; without it, the sentence 'Yo enfermo' sounds like you are actively making someone else ill, which is rarely what a student intends to say.

You will encounter enfermarse in a wide variety of real-life scenarios. In a professional setting, it is the standard way to explain an absence: 'Tuve que faltar porque me enfermé' (I had to miss work because I got sick). In pharmacies (farmacias), pharmacists might ask '¿Cuándo empezó a enfermarse?' (When did you start getting sick?) to understand the duration of your symptoms. At home, parents frequently warn children 'No andes descalzo o te vas a enfermar' (Don't go barefoot or you'll get sick)—a very common cultural trope in many Spanish-speaking countries.

Doctor: '¿Es la primera vez que se enferma de esto?'

Amigo: 'No pude ir a la fiesta, me enfermé de repente.'

Madre: 'Abrígate bien, no quiero que te enfermes.'

Noticias: 'Muchas personas se enfermaron tras la inundación.'

Compañero: 'Si alguien en la oficina se enferma, todos nos contagiamos.'

Cultural Nuance: In some countries, people avoid saying 'enfermarse' out of superstition, preferring 'sentirse mal' or 'estar indispuesto', but 'enfermarse' remains the most direct and common term.

Formal Usage: In medical reports, you might see 'el paciente enfermó', but in spoken formal Spanish, the reflexive 'se enfermó' is still preferred.

Beyond the physical, you might hear this in songs or literature to describe a heart or soul 'enfermarse de amor' (getting sick with love/lovesick). This romanticized use is common in boleros and ballads. In news reports concerning public health, the verb is used to quantify outbreaks: 'Cientos de personas se enfermaron por el agua contaminada.' Whether you are at a doctor's appointment, calling out of work, or warning a friend to stay warm, enfermarse is an indispensable part of the Spanish vocabulary for navigating everyday life and health concerns.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with enfermarse is omitting the reflexive pronoun. In English, we simply say 'I got sick.' Translating this literally as 'Yo enfermé' is grammatically possible but sounds very stiff, literary, or simply 'off' to native speakers. You must include the 'me': 'Me enfermé.' Another common error is confusing the verb enfermarse (the process of becoming sick) with the state estar enfermo (being sick). If you are currently in bed with a fever, you say 'Estoy enfermo.' If you want to say you caught the fever last night, you say 'Me enfermé anoche.'

Mistake #1: Omitting 'Se': Incorrect: 'Él enfermó ayer.' Correct: 'Él se enfermó ayer.' (Reflexive is standard for people falling ill).

Mistake #2: Confusing with 'Enfermar': 'Enfermar' (without 'se') means to cause illness. 'Su actitud me enferma' means 'Your attitude makes me sick (nauseated/disgusted)'.

Wrong: Yo enfermo cada año. Right: Yo me enfermo cada año.

Wrong: No quiero enfermar. Right: No quiero enfermarme.

Wrong: Me estoy enfermando (when you are already fully sick). Right: Estoy enfermo.

Wrong: Se enfermó por gripe. Right: Se enfermó de gripe.

Wrong: Me enfermé con el frío. Right: Me enfermé por el frío.

Preposition Confusion: Use 'de' for the illness (de gripe, de tos) and 'por' for the cause (por el viento, por no comer).

Additionally, some learners try to use 'ser' with 'enfermo' (Soy enfermo). This implies you are a 'sickly person' or have a chronic, defining illness. For temporary sickness, always use 'estar' (Estoy enfermo) or the verb 'enfermarse' for the onset. Another subtle mistake is the placement of the 'se' when using compound verbs. While 'me voy a enfermar' and 'voy a enfermarme' are both correct, 'voy a me enfermar' is a major error. The pronoun must either precede the entire verbal unit or attach to the end of the infinitive. Finally, remember that enfermarse is about the transition. If you say 'Me enfermé por dos semanas,' it sounds slightly odd; better to say 'Estuve enfermo por dos semanas' (I was sick for two weeks).

While enfermarse is the most general term, Spanish offers many alternatives depending on the severity and region. 'Ponerse malo' or 'ponerse enfermo' are extremely common in Spain and parts of Latin America, often sounding slightly more colloquial than 'enfermarse.' If you specifically catch a cold, 'resfriarse' or 'acatarrarse' are more precise. For a contagious disease, 'contagiarse' (to get infected) is the appropriate choice. If the illness is sudden and perhaps minor, 'indisponerse' is a polite, formal way to say someone feels unwell.

Ponerse malo/a: Common in Spain. 'Me puse mala ayer' (I got sick yesterday). It implies a temporary change of state.

Contagiarse: Specifically used when you catch something from someone else. 'Me contagié de mi hermano.'

Resfriarse: To catch a cold. 'Me resfrié por salir sin chaqueta.'

Caer en cama: To be bedridden. 'Se enfermó tanto que cayó en cama.'

Recaer: To have a relapse. 'Se había curado, pero volvió a enfermarse (recaer).'

Sentirse mal: To feel bad/unwell. 'Me siento mal, creo que me voy a enfermar.'

Pillar algo: (Slang/Informal) To catch something. 'He pillado un virus en el metro.'

Comparison Table: Enfermarse (General) | Resfriarse (Cold) | Contagiarse (Infection) | Ponerse malo (Colloquial).

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 'contraer una enfermedad' (to contract a disease). This is used for serious or specific medical conditions: 'Contrajo malaria durante su viaje a África.' Another interesting alternative is 'caer enfermo,' which emphasizes the suddenness or gravity of the situation, similar to 'falling ill' in English. For stomach issues, people often say 'me cayó mal la comida' (the food didn't agree with me) rather than 'me enfermé por la comida,' although both are correct. Understanding these synonyms helps you sound more like a native speaker by choosing the word that fits the 'vibe' of the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'nurse' (enfermero) in Spanish literally means 'the one who deals with the weak/unstrong'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /en.ferˈmar.se/

US /en.ferˈmar.se/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable 'mar' (en-fer-MAR-se).

Rhymes With

quedarse lavarse peinarse casarse sentarse pararse mirarse llamarse

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'en-' like the English 'in'.
Failing to roll or tap the 'r'.
Dropping the final 'e' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the root 'enferm-'.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the reflexive pronoun and its placement.

Speaking 4/5

Reflexive placement in conversation can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

The reflexive pronoun often blends into the verb in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

enfermo estar me/te/se gripe frío

Learn Next

resfriarse contagiarse recuperarse dolor síntoma

Advanced

patología diagnóstico crónico agudo epidemia

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronoun Placement

Me voy a enfermar / Voy a enfermarme.

Preposition 'De' for Illness

Se enfermó de pulmonía.

Preposition 'Por' for Cause

Se enfermó por el frío.

Imperfect for Habits

Me enfermaba mucho de niño.

Subjunctive for Wishes

Espero que no te enfermes.

Examples by Level

Yo me enfermo en invierno.

I get sick in winter.

Present tense, 1st person singular reflexive.

¿Tú te enfermas mucho?

Do you get sick a lot?

Present tense, 2nd person singular question.

Ella se enferma a veces.

She gets sick sometimes.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Nosotros no nos enfermamos.

We don't get sick.

Present tense negation, 1st person plural.

Ellos se enferman hoy.

They are getting sick today.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

¿Te enfermas con el frío?

Do you get sick with the cold?

Present tense, 2nd person singular.

Me enfermo si no como.

I get sick if I don't eat.

Conditional 'si' clause with present tense.

Él se enferma siempre.

He always gets sick.

Present tense with frequency adverb.

Me enfermé la semana pasada.

I got sick last week.

Preterite tense (completed action).

¿Te enfermaste ayer?

Did you get sick yesterday?

Preterite tense question.

No quiero enfermarme ahora.

I don't want to get sick now.

Infinitive with attached reflexive pronoun.

Se van a enfermar si no llevan abrigo.

They are going to get sick if they don't wear a coat.

Future with 'ir a' + reflexive infinitive.

Nos enfermamos de la gripe.

We got sick with the flu.

Preterite with preposition 'de'.

¿Por qué se enfermó Juan?

Why did Juan get sick?

Preterite 3rd person singular question.

Me enfermé por comer mucho chocolate.

I got sick from eating too much chocolate.

Preterite with preposition 'por' for cause.

Mañana me voy a enfermar si sigo así.

Tomorrow I am going to get sick if I continue like this.

Future 'ir a' with pronoun before the phrase.

Cuando era pequeño, me enfermaba con frecuencia.

When I was little, I used to get sick frequently.

Imperfect tense for habitual past actions.

Espero que no te enfermes en el viaje.

I hope you don't get sick on the trip.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

Si no descansara, se enfermaría pronto.

If he didn't rest, he would get sick soon.

Conditional mood in a hypothetical sentence.

Dudo que ellos se enfermen por eso.

I doubt that they will get sick from that.

Present subjunctive after 'dudo que'.

Se enfermaban cada vez que llovía.

They used to get sick every time it rained.

Imperfect tense for repeated past actions.

Es posible que me enferme mañana.

It is possible that I might get sick tomorrow.

Present subjunctive expressing possibility.

No me enfermaría si tuviera mejores defensas.

I wouldn't get sick if I had better defenses/immunity.

Conditional mood with imperfect subjunctive.

Me enfermé justo antes del examen.

I got sick right before the exam.

Preterite tense indicating unfortunate timing.

Si me hubiera enfermado, te habría avisado.

If I had gotten sick, I would have let you know.

Past perfect subjunctive in a counterfactual.

Se enfermó de tanto trabajar sin parar.

He got sick from working so much without stopping.

Preterite with 'de' indicating cause/intensity.

No creo que se haya enfermado por el frío.

I don't think he has gotten sick because of the cold.

Present perfect subjunctive after 'no creo que'.

Había temido enfermarse antes de la boda.

She had feared getting sick before the wedding.

Past perfect (pluperfect) with reflexive infinitive.

Es una lástima que nos hayamos enfermado ahora.

It's a shame that we have gotten sick now.

Present perfect subjunctive expressing emotion.

Se enfermó repentinamente durante la cena.

He suddenly fell ill during dinner.

Preterite with the adverb 'repentinamente'.

Muchos se enferman de soledad en las grandes ciudades.

Many get sick from loneliness in big cities.

Present tense used for a metaphorical/social condition.

¿Te habías enfermado alguna vez de algo tan grave?

Had you ever gotten sick with something so serious?

Past perfect (pluperfect) question.

Apenas llegó al país, cayó enferma por el cambio de clima.

As soon as she arrived in the country, she fell ill due to the climate change.

Use of 'caer enferma' as a sophisticated alternative to 'enfermarse'.

Resulta curioso cómo algunos se enferman de poder tan rápido.

It's curious how some get sick with power so quickly.

Metaphorical use of 'enfermarse'.

Si no se hubieran enfermado, habrían culminado el proyecto.

If they hadn't gotten sick, they would have completed the project.

Third conditional (counterfactual past).

La población se enfermó masivamente debido a la contaminación.

The population became massively ill due to pollution.

Reflexive verb with collective subject and adverb.

Temía que su madre se enfermara de tristeza.

He feared his mother would get sick from sadness.

Imperfect subjunctive after a verb of fear.

Cualquiera podría enfermarse dadas estas condiciones insalubres.

Anyone could get sick given these unsanitary conditions.

Conditional mood expressing potentiality.

Se enfermó de tal manera que perdió el conocimiento.

He got sick in such a way that he lost consciousness.

Consecutive clause with 'de tal manera que'.

No es que me enferme a menudo, sino que esta vez fue serio.

It's not that I get sick often, but this time it was serious.

Subjunctive in a 'no es que... sino que' structure.

La institución parece enfermarse desde sus propios cimientos.

The institution seems to be getting sick (decaying) from its very foundations.

Highly metaphorical use describing institutional decay.

Por más que se cuide, uno no puede evitar enfermarse de nostalgia.

No matter how much one takes care, one cannot avoid getting sick with nostalgia.

Abstract use with 'por más que' concessive clause.

El alma se enferma cuando el rencor la consume.

The soul gets sick when resentment consumes it.

Poetic/philosophical use of the reflexive verb.

Aquel invierno, media ciudad se enfermó de una dolencia desconocida.

That winter, half the city fell ill with an unknown ailment.

Narrative past with specific vocabulary ('dolencia').

¿Acaso no se enferma la razón ante tanta injusticia?

Does reason not get sick (become clouded) in the face of so much injustice?

Rhetorical question with abstract subject.

Se enfermó de una melancolía incurable tras la pérdida.

He fell into an incurable melancholy after the loss.

Literary use describing psychological state.

Es imperativo evitar que la juventud se enferme de apatía.

It is imperative to prevent the youth from becoming sick with apathy.

Subjunctive after an impersonal expression of necessity.

Incluso los más fuertes pueden enfermarse si descuidan su espíritu.

Even the strongest can get sick if they neglect their spirit.

Modal verb 'poder' with reflexive infinitive.

Common Collocations

enfermarse de gripe

enfermarse por estrés

enfermarse de repente

enfermarse gravemente

enfermarse con frecuencia

enfermarse de amor

miedo a enfermarse

riesgo de enfermarse

evitar enfermarse

enfermarse de los nervios

Common Phrases

No te enfermes

— A common parting wish, similar to 'stay healthy'.

¡Buen viaje y no te enfermes!

Me voy a enfermar

— Used when one feels the first symptoms of an illness.

Siento escalofríos, creo que me voy a enfermar.

Se enfermó de la nada

— To get sick suddenly without an apparent cause.

Estaba bien y se enfermó de la nada.

Para no enfermarse

— The purpose of taking preventive measures.

Come bien para no enfermarse.

Enfermarse de muerte

— To become terminally or extremely ill (hyperbolic).

Se enfermó de muerte tras la noticia.

Volver a enfermarse

— To get sick again or have a relapse.

Se curó pero volvió a enfermarse pronto.

Enfermarse del estómago

— To get a stomach bug or food poisoning.

Me enfermé del estómago por los tacos.

Enfermarse de tristeza

— To become physically ill due to grief or sadness.

La abuela se enfermó de tristeza.

Casi me enfermo

— Used after a scare or a close call with illness.

¡Qué frío! Casi me enfermo.

Si me enfermo...

— A common way to start a conditional plan.

Si me enfermo, ¿me cuidarás?

Often Confused With

enfermarse vs enfermar

Without 'se', it means to make someone else sick or to be sickening.

enfermarse vs estar enfermo

This is the state of being sick, not the act of falling ill.

enfermarse vs constiparse

In Spanish, this means to catch a cold, not to be constipated (which is 'estar estreñido').

Idioms & Expressions

"enfermarse de los pulmones"

— Specifically used to refer to respiratory issues, often euphemistically.

El abuelo se enfermó de los pulmones.

neutral

"enfermarse de importancia"

— A sarcastic way to say someone is acting too important (rare).

Parece que se enfermó de importancia con su nuevo puesto.

informal

"enfermarse de rabia"

— To become physically ill with anger.

Se enfermó de rabia al ver la injusticia.

informal

"enfermarse de celos"

— To be consumed by jealousy to the point of illness.

Se está enfermando de celos.

neutral

"enfermarse por un susto"

— The cultural belief that a fright can cause illness.

El niño se enfermó por un susto fuerte.

cultural

"enfermarse de soledad"

— The physical toll of being alone.

Muchos ancianos se enferman de soledad.

neutral

"enfermarse de aburrimiento"

— To be extremely bored (hyperbole).

Me voy a enfermar de aburrimiento en esta clase.

informal

"enfermarse de éxito"

— The negative consequences of becoming too successful.

El artista se enfermó de éxito y se aisló.

figurative

"enfermarse de nostalgia"

— To suffer physically from longing for the past or home.

Se enfermó de nostalgia al mudarse.

literary

"enfermarse de envidia"

— To be physically affected by wanting what others have.

Se enfermó de envidia al ver su coche nuevo.

informal

Easily Confused

enfermarse vs Enfermo

It can be an adjective or a noun.

'Enfermo' is 'sick' or 'sick person'; 'enfermarse' is the verb 'to get sick'.

El hombre enfermo se enfermó más.

enfermarse vs Ponerse

Used in 'ponerse malo'.

'Ponerse' is a general verb for becoming; 'enfermarse' is specific to health.

Se puso triste porque se enfermó.

enfermarse vs Resfriarse

Specific type of getting sick.

'Resfriarse' is only for colds; 'enfermarse' is for any illness.

Me resfrié, pero no me enfermé de nada grave.

enfermarse vs Lastimarse

Both are reflexive health verbs.

'Lastimarse' is to hurt oneself (injury); 'enfermarse' is for internal illness.

Se lastimó la pierna y luego se enfermó de gripe.

enfermarse vs Sentirse

Related to health.

'Sentirse' is how you feel; 'enfermarse' is what happens to your health.

Me siento mal, creo que me voy a enfermar.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + [me/te/se] + enfermo/as/a

Yo me enfermo.

Subject + [me/te/se] + enfermé/aste/ó

Él se enfermó ayer.

Ir a + enfermarse

Vas a enfermarte.

Espero que + [me/te/se] + enferme/es/e

Espero que no te enfermes.

[me/te/se] + enfermaba

Yo me enfermaba mucho.

Si + [me/te/se] + enfermara...

Si me enfermara, no iría.

Caer enfermo/a

Ella cayó enferma de repente.

Enfermarse de [abstract concept]

Se enfermó de melancolía.

Word Family

Nouns

enfermedad (illness)

enfermo/a (sick person)

enfermería (infirmary)

enfermero/a (nurse)

Verbs

enfermar (to make sick)

Adjectives

enfermo (sick)

enfermizo (sickly)

enfermo (diseased)

enfermaría

enfermado

enfermable

enfermadizo

enfermero

How to Use It

frequency

High (Essential vocabulary)

Common Mistakes

Yo enfermo cada invierno. → Yo me enfermo cada invierno.
You forgot the reflexive pronoun 'me'. In Spanish, falling ill is something that happens 'to' you reflexively.
Me enfermé con la gripe. → Me enfermé de la gripe.
The correct preposition for the illness is 'de', not 'con'.
Espero que no te enfermas. → Espero que no te enfermes.
After 'espero que', you must use the subjunctive mood ('enfermes' instead of 'enfermas').
Me estoy enfermo. → Estoy enfermo.
'Me estoy' would be the start of 'me estoy enfermando' (I am getting sick). If you are already sick, just use 'Estoy enfermo'.
Se enfermó para el frío. → Se enfermó por el frío.
'Por' is used to indicate the cause of the illness. 'Para' would mean 'in order to', which makes no sense here.

Tips

Pronoun Placement

In phrases like 'I am going to get sick', you have two choices: 'Me voy a enfermar' or 'Voy a enfermarme'. Both are 100% correct and mean the same thing. Just don't put it in the middle!

Specifics Matter

While 'enfermarse' is great, try using 'resfriarse' for a cold or 'intoxicarse' for food poisoning to sound more advanced.

The Cold Floor Myth

If a Spanish speaker tells you 'te vas a enfermar' because you are barefoot, they are expressing a very common cultural belief. It's a sign of care!

Estar vs. Enfermarse

Think of 'enfermarse' as the 'getting' and 'estar' as the 'being'. 'Me enfermé' (I got sick) vs. 'Estoy enfermo' (I am sick).

Preposition 'De'

Always use 'de' before the name of the illness. 'Se enfermó de gripe', not 'con gripe'.

Listen for the 'Se'

In fast speech, 'se enfermó' can sound like 'senfermó'. Train your ear to hear that initial 's' sound.

Reflexive Drills

Practice saying 'me enfermo, te enfermas, se enferma' quickly to make the reflexive pronouns feel natural.

Infirmary Link

Link 'enfermarse' to 'infirmary'. If you go to the infirmary, it's because you 'enfermarse-d'.

Avoid 'Yo enfermo'

Never say 'Yo enfermo' to mean 'I get sick'. It sounds like you are a doctor making others sick. Always use 'Me enfermo'.

Metaphors

Use 'enfermarse' for societies or hearts to add poetic flair to your Spanish: 'La ciudad se enfermó de odio'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'Infirmary'. When you 'enfermar-se', you are heading to the infirmary because you are no longer firm (strong).

Visual Association

Imagine a strong pillar (firmus) cracking and falling over—that is the process of 'enfermarse'.

Word Web

gripe tos fiebre doctor medicina cama descanso enfermera

Challenge

Try to conjugate 'enfermarse' in the preterite for all six persons without looking at a chart.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'infirmare', which comes from 'in-' (not) and 'firmus' (strong).

Original meaning: To weaken or to be without strength.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

In medical contexts, 'enfermarse' is neutral, but 'estar enfermo' can sometimes be used as a euphemism for mental health issues, so be specific if needed.

English speakers often say 'catch a cold' or 'get sick', whereas Spanish speakers use a single reflexive verb.

'El amor en los tiempos del cólera' (Love in the Time of Cholera) by Gabriel García Márquez explores how love and sickness are similar. Common in 'telenovelas' where characters 'se enferman' from dramatic shocks.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At work

Me enfermé y no puedo ir.
¿Se enfermó el jefe?
No quiero enfermarme de nuevo.
Me enfermé por el estrés.

At the doctor

Me enfermé hace tres días.
Me enfermo con frecuencia.
¿Cómo puedo evitar enfermarme?
Mi hijo se enfermó anoche.

In winter

Siempre me enfermo en esta época.
Te vas a enfermar con este frío.
Mucha gente se está enfermando.
No me quiero enfermar de gripe.

At school

Se enfermó medio salón.
Si te enfermas, quédate en casa.
¿Te enfermaste por el examen?
No se enfermen antes del viaje.

Traveling

Me enfermé por el agua.
Temo enfermarme en el avión.
¿Te enfermaste durante las vacaciones?
Lleva medicina por si te enfermas.

Conversation Starters

"¿Te enfermas mucho durante el invierno?"

"¿Qué haces para evitar enfermarse cuando todos en tu casa están mal?"

"¿Alguna vez te enfermaste en un viaje importante?"

"¿Crees que es posible enfermarse de pura tristeza?"

"¿Cuál fue la última vez que te enfermaste de verdad?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre la última vez que te enfermaste. ¿Qué síntomas tenías?

¿Cómo te cuidas para no enfermarte durante el año?

Describe un momento en que alguien de tu familia se enfermó gravemente.

¿Crees que el estrés hace que la gente se enferme más? ¿Por qué?

Imagina un mundo donde nadie pudiera enfermarse. ¿Cómo sería?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, when you are talking about someone falling ill, you must use the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se). Without it, the verb 'enfermar' means to cause illness in someone else or to be disgusting. For example, 'Me enfermé' means 'I got sick,' but 'Esa comida me enferma' means 'That food makes me sick.'

There is very little difference in meaning. 'Enfermarse' is more common in Latin America and is a standard neutral term. 'Ponerse enfermo' (or 'ponerse malo') is more common in Spain and sounds slightly more colloquial. Both describe the transition from being healthy to being sick.

You can say 'Me enfermé de un resfriado,' but it is more common and natural to use the specific verb 'resfriarse' (Me resfrié). You can also say 'Me dio un resfriado' (A cold gave to me). Avoid literal translations of 'caught' like 'atrapé'.

Yes, it can be. You can say 'Se enfermó de los nervios' or 'Se enfermó de depresión,' although often people use 'caer en' for mental health states, like 'cayó en una depresión.' Figuratively, it's used for 'getting sick of' something, like 'me enferma su actitud' (his attitude sickens me).

Use 'de' for the specific disease or ailment: 'Se enfermó de covid.' Use 'por' for the cause or reason: 'Se enfermó por el frío' or 'Se enfermó por no descansar.' This is a common point of confusion for English speakers.

Yes, absolutely. 'Mi perro se enfermó ayer' is perfectly correct. It applies to any living being that can fall ill.

Yes, 'enfermar' follows the regular conjugation for -ar verbs. The only 'irregularity' for learners is remembering the reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, etc.).

You use the subjunctive: 'Espero que no te enfermes.' This is the standard way to express this wish to a friend or family member.

The noun is 'enfermedad' (illness/disease). For the act of falling ill, you might use 'el contagio' (if it's an infection) or simply the infinitive 'el enfermarse' in some contexts.

Usually, no. For computers, we say 'tiene un virus' or 'se infectó'. 'Enfermarse' is reserved for biological or metaphorical contexts.