Poco saludable vs. malsano vs. insalubre
The Spanish language offers multiple ways to express the concept of 'unhealthy', each with subtle differences in usage and connotation. The three main terms are 'poco saludable', 'malsano', and 'insalubre'.
Poco saludable
'Poco saludable' literally means 'not very healthy' and is often used to describe food, habits, or lifestyles that are not conducive to good health.
Comer comida rápida todos los días es poco saludable.
(Eating fast food every day is unhealthy.)
Dormir menos de seis horas por noche es poco saludable.
(Sleeping less than six hours a night is unhealthy.)
Malsano
'Malsano' is a more direct term meaning 'unhealthy' or 'unwholesome'. It can be applied to physical health, mental states, or environments.
El humo del cigarrillo crea un ambiente malsano.
(Cigarette smoke creates an unhealthy environment.)
Su obsesión por el trabajo es malsana.
(His obsession with work is unhealthy.)
Insalubre
'Insalubre' specifically refers to environments or conditions that are unhygienic or detrimental to health, often used in more formal or technical contexts.
Las condiciones de trabajo en la fábrica eran insalubres.
(The working conditions in the factory were unsanitary.)
El agua contaminada creó condiciones insalubres en la ciudad.
(The contaminated water created unsanitary conditions in the city.)
Summary
While all three terms convey the idea of 'unhealthy', they differ in usage and intensity. 'Poco saludable' is the mildest, often used for lifestyle choices. 'Malsano' is more versatile and direct, applicable to various contexts. 'Insalubre' is the most specific, typically used for unhygienic environments or conditions.