urticaria

hives

noun oor-tee-KAH-ryah Rare

Origin: From Latin urtica (nettle), because contact with nettles produces a similar skin reaction.

Also means

urticaria

Usage Note

Urticaria is the medical and everyday Spanish term for the allergic skin reaction known in English as hives or nettle rash. It is feminine and most commonly used in the singular even when referring to a widespread rash. Learners may also hear the colloquial phrase me salió urticaria ('I broke out in hives').

Examples

"Le salió urticaria tras comer mariscos."

Natural Translation

She broke out in hives after eating shellfish.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

El or La? Spanish Noun Gender Rules Made Simple

El or la? Spanish noun gender is ~99% readable off the word's ending. Learn the o/a defaults, LONERS, feminine endings, and the handful of rebels to memorize.

June 3, 2026 7 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Accent Marks: 3 Rules for Every Word

A Spanish word needs an accent mark in just three cases: it breaks the default stress, it's a homophone, or a weak vowel splits off. Here are all three rules.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

The Spanish Cheek Kiss: Greeting Etiquette by Country

Two kisses in Spain, one in most of Latin America. Master the Spanish cheek kiss greeting — which cheek first, the air-kiss mechanics, and when to shake hands.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Preterite vs. Imperfect: Spanish Past Tense Made Easy

Preterite vs. imperfect: use the preterite for finished events, the imperfect for ongoing scenery. A trigger-word cheat sheet, flowchart, and examples.

June 9, 2026 6 min read