Definition
The general condition of your body or mind; how well or unwell you feel. Also used as a toast when drinking or to say "bless you" after a sneeze.
Example
El médico dijo que mi salud es muy buena.
Show translation
The doctor said my health is very good.
Etymology
From Latin *salus, salutis* ("health, safety, well-being"), related to *salvus* ("safe, unharmed"). The same root gives English "salute," "salvage," and "salvation" — all carrying the core idea of being whole and intact.
Cultural note
*Salud* does triple duty in everyday Spanish: it means "health," it's the standard toast raised before drinking (equivalent to "cheers"), and it's what you say when someone sneezes — much like "bless you" in English. In Latin America the sneeze-response sequence can go up to three rounds: *¡Salud! — Dinero. — Amor.* ("Health! — Money. — Love."). At a party, shouting *¡Salud!* with a raised glass is inescapable, so this is a high-value social word to know early.