Adjective
/ˈbiɾal/
The word "viral" in Spanish typically relates to anything pertaining to viruses, especially in medical contexts. It is frequently used to describe infections caused by viruses (like "infección viral") or phenomena that rapidly spread through social media platforms. In general conversation, "viral" can refer to something that gains widespread popularity quickly.
"Viral" is commonly used both in oral speech and written contexts. However, it may be more prevalent in discussions relating to health or technology, particularly in the context of social media content.
La fiebre viral es común durante el cambio de estaciones.
(Viral fever is common during the change of seasons.)
Ese video se volvió viral en cuestión de horas.
(That video went viral in a matter of hours.)
Se están investigando nuevas vacunas para enfermedades virales.
(New vaccines for viral diseases are being researched.)
Although "viral" does not have many idiomatic expressions associated with it, it is often used in contextual phrases relating to virality in both medical and technological discourse. Here are a few note-worthy examples:
El contenido se hizo viral en Internet.
(The content went viral on the Internet.)
Ese meme se volvió viral en un día.
(That meme became viral in a day.)
Sus publicaciones suelen tener un efecto viral.
(His posts tend to have a viral effect.)
Las campañas publicitarias virales son muy efectivas.
(Viral advertising campaigns are very effective.)
El brote viral se ha propagado rápidamente.
(The viral outbreak has spread quickly.)
The word "viral" is derived from the Latin word "virus," which means "poison" or "toxin." The term gained scientific significance in the 19th century with advancements in microbiology to describe infectious agents that cause diseases.