I have a cold
A very common alternative using the verb 'estar' to describe your state. Use 'resfriado' if you are male, 'resfriada' if you are female.
Common in many Latin American countries like Mexico and Colombia. While 'gripe' is the flu, 'gripa' is often used informally for a common cold.
Similar to 'Tengo gripa', this describes the state of having a cold/flu. Use 'agripado' for males and 'agripada' for females.
I'm not going to work today, I have a cold.
My daughter has a cold and needs to rest.
I think I have a cold. My throat hurts.
Can you buy me a soup? I have a cold and I don't want to go out.
'Tengo un resfriado' is universally understood. 'Tengo gripa' is also very common but can sometimes mean the more serious flu.
'Gripa' is the most common term for a cold. 'Resfriado' is understood but used less frequently in everyday conversation.
It is more common to say 'Tengo un resfrío' (ending in 'o'). 'Resfriado' is also correct and understood.
People use 'Tengo un resfriado' or 'Tengo un catarro'. Be careful: 'gripe' (with an 'e') in Spain refers strictly to the flu, which is a more severe illness.
Saying 'Estoy frío' instead of 'Tengo un resfriado'. — 'Estoy frío' means 'I feel cold' because of the temperature. The illness is a 'resfriado'. It's a classic false friend.
Saying 'Tengo un frío' as a direct translation. — This is incorrect. The noun for the illness is 'resfriado' or 'resfrío'. 'Un frío' would mean 'a cold thing' or 'a chill'.
Forgetting gender agreement with 'estar'. — When you say 'Estoy resfriado/a', the ending must match your gender. It's 'resfriado' for a man and 'resfriada' for a woman.
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