Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Food Poisoning in Spanish: Intoxicación Alimentaria
Intoxicación Alimentaria · noun phrase (feminine) · een-tohk-see-kah-SYOHN ah-lee-mehn-TAH-ryah
The Spanish term for food poisoning is 'intoxicación alimentaria,' describing illness caused by consuming contaminated or spoiled food. The shorter phrase 'intoxicación por alimentos' is also used. This vocabulary is essential for travelers who may need to communicate health issues in Spanish-speaking countries.
Say een-tohk-see-kah-SYOHN ah-lee-mehn-TAH-ryah. The phrase is long but each syllable follows regular Spanish pronunciation. Stress falls on the final syllable of 'intoxicación' and the third syllable of 'alimentaria.'
Sufrió una intoxicación alimentaria después de comer mariscos en mal estado.
She suffered food poisoning after eating spoiled seafood.
Food Poisoning in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for food poisoning, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| intoxicación alimentaria | food poisoning | een-tohk-see-kah-SYOHN ah-lee-mehn-TAH-ryah | Default, widely understood |
| intoxicación por alimentos | food poisoning | alternative phrasing | |
| envenenamiento alimentario | food poisoning | less common variant |
How Native Speakers Use Intoxicación Alimentaria
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
At the hospital
El doctor confirmó que era una intoxicación alimentaria.
The doctor confirmed it was food poisoning.
Receiving a diagnosis at the emergency room.
Travel sickness
Varios turistas sufrieron intoxicación alimentaria en el hotel.
Several tourists suffered food poisoning at the hotel.
Reporting a health incident during travel.
Prevention
Para evitar la intoxicación alimentaria, siempre lava las verduras antes de cocinar.
To avoid food poisoning, always wash vegetables before cooking.
Giving food safety advice.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Intoxicación Alimentaria
Direct translation attempt
Incorrect: Tengo envenenamiento de comida.
Correct: Tengo intoxicación alimentaria.
Translating word-for-word from English ('food poisoning' → 'envenenamiento de comida') sounds unnatural. 'Intoxicación alimentaria' is the standard medical and everyday term.
Wrong adjective form
Incorrect: Sufrió una intoxicación alimentario.
Correct: Sufrió una intoxicación alimentaria.
'Intoxicación' is feminine, so the adjective must take the feminine form 'alimentaria,' not the masculine 'alimentario.'
Lock in Food Poisoning Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Intoxicación Alimentaria used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Food Poisoning in Spanish
- How do you tell a doctor you have food poisoning in Spanish?
- You can say 'Creo que tengo una intoxicación alimentaria' (I think I have food poisoning) or describe your symptoms: 'Tengo vómitos y diarrea después de comer' (I have vomiting and diarrhea after eating).
- Can intoxicación mean intoxication from alcohol?
- 'Intoxicación' in medical Spanish can refer to any type of poisoning, but for alcohol intoxication specifically, the phrase 'intoxicación etílica' or 'intoxicación por alcohol' is used to distinguish it from food-related illness.
- What are common symptoms of intoxicación alimentaria?
- Key symptom vocabulary includes 'náuseas' (nausea), 'vómitos' (vomiting), 'diarrea' (diarrhea), 'dolor abdominal' (abdominal pain), and 'fiebre' (fever).