Peste vs. plaga
The Spanish words 'peste' and 'plaga' both refer to widespread afflictions and are commonly used in the context of diseases or problems affecting a significant proportion of a population. Despite their similarities, they have different connotations and uses in the Spanish language.
Peste
The term 'peste' specifically refers to a contagious disease that spreads rapidly and has high mortality rates. It is often associated with historical pandemics like the Bubonic Plague.
La peste negra devastó Europa en el siglo XIV.
(The Black Death devastated Europe in the 14th century.)
Temían que la enfermedad fuera la peste.
(They feared that the disease was the plague.)
Plaga
'Plaga' generally indicates any pest or widespread problem, not limited to diseases. It can refer to insects, animals, or even figuratively to any widespread troublesome issue.
Esa región sufre una plaga de langostas cada verano.
(That region suffers a locust plague every summer.)
La corrupción es una plaga que afecta a muchos países.
(Corruption is a plague that affects many countries.)
Summary
'Peste' and 'plaga' are terms often related to large-scale afflictions, but 'peste' is used more narrowly to describe deadly epidemics, whereas 'plaga' has a broader use that can also apply to infestations or figurative scourges. Both words embody the idea of widespread suffering but are applied to different scenarios in the Spanish language.