doler
/doˈleɾ/
The English verb 'ache' can be translated into Spanish as doler. Wiktionary also lists sufrir.
Meaning: be in pain (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| doler | /doˈleɾ/ |
| sufrir | /suˈfɾiɾ/ |
Doler is used to describe physical sensations of pain. For the more abstract concept of suffering or enduring a hardship, use sufrir. The related noun dolor refers to a dull pain.
Which one should you use?
Doler is used for physical sensations of pain, whereas sufrir is used for the more abstract concept of suffering or enduring a hardship.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb doler functions like the verb gustar, meaning the thing that aches is the subject and the person feeling the pain is the indirect object. For example, me duele means 'it aches (to me)'. Use the plural form duelen if the body part causing the pain is plural, such as me duelen los pies (my feet ache).
How do you pronounce it?
/doˈleɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying yo duelo to mean 'I ache'.
Did you know?
- The English word 'condolence', used when expressing sympathy for someone's grief, shares the same ancient root as the Spanish verb doler.
- In Spanish, the verb sufrir can be used to describe inanimate objects, such as a city or a building 'suffering' from damage or a lack of resources.
- If you mistakenly say yo duelo to mean 'I am in pain', you are not actually saying you have an ache, but are likely using a form of the verb related to mourning or grief.
Examples in context
- Me duele el estómago.My stomach aches.
- Tengo dolor de cabeza.I have a headache.
- Siento una molestia en la espalda.I feel an ache in my back.
- El paciente presenta malestar generalizado.The patient experiences generalized aches.
- Me duele el pie, pero solo es un dolorcillo.My foot aches, but it's just a little ache.
- Tengo una molestia en el cuello después de hacer ejercicio.I have an ache in my neck after working out.
- Me duele la cabeza.My head aches.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ache” translations and entries doler, sufrir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doler, sufrir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
