Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Fever in Spanish
Fiebre · noun · FYEH-breh
The Spanish word for fever is 'fiebre,' describing an elevated body temperature typically caused by illness or infection. In some Latin American countries, 'calentura' is used colloquially, though it can carry additional informal meanings.
Pronounce it as FYEH-breh, with two syllables and the stress on the first. The 'ie' diphthong creates a quick gliding sound.
El niño tiene fiebre alta desde anoche.
The child has had a high fever since last night.
fever in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for fever, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| fiebre | fever | FYEH-breh | Default, widely understood |
| calentura | fever | colloquial in some Latin American countries |
How Native Speakers Use Fiebre
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Calling in sick
No puedo ir a trabajar, tengo mucha fiebre.
I can't go to work, I have a high fever.
Informing a boss about illness.
Checking temperature
Tómate la temperatura para ver si tienes fiebre.
Take your temperature to see if you have a fever.
Monitoring a sick family member.
At the emergency room
Trajimos al bebé porque tiene fiebre de cuarenta grados.
We brought the baby in because he has a fever of forty degrees.
Seeking emergency medical care.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Fiebre
Wrong verb
Incorrect: Soy fiebre.
Correct: Tengo fiebre.
In Spanish, you 'have' a fever (tener fiebre), not 'are' a fever. This is a common error for English speakers.
Confusing fiebre with calentura
Incorrect: Tengo calentura. (in formal medical context)
Correct: Tengo fiebre.
'Calentura' is informal and in some regions carries sexual connotations. Use 'fiebre' in medical and formal settings.
Lock in fever Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Fiebre used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using fiebre in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El niño tiene fiebre alta desde anoche. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About fever in Spanish
- Do you say tener fiebre or estar con fiebre?
- Both 'tener fiebre' (to have a fever) and 'estar con fiebre' (to be with a fever) are correct, though 'tener fiebre' is the more common and natural expression in most regions.
- How do Spanish speakers measure fever temperature?
- Spanish-speaking countries use the Celsius scale, so a normal temperature is around 37°C and a fever is typically considered anything above 38°C (100.4°F).
- What is the difference between fiebre and calentura?
- Fiebre is the standard medical and everyday term for fever, while 'calentura' is informal and regional — in some areas it also has slang meanings unrelated to illness, so 'fiebre' is always the safer choice.