Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| reflujo ácido | /refluxo aθido/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /refluxo asido/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| acidez gástrica | /aθideθ ɡastɾika/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /asides ɡastɾika/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
| acidez gastroesofágica | /aθideθ ɡastɾoesofaxika/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /asides ɡastɾoesofaxika/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
The term refers to the medical condition of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. In everyday conversation, speakers often use the word acidez to refer specifically to the sensation of heartburn, frequently pairing it with the verb tener (to have) in the phrase tener acidez to say they are experiencing it.
Which one should you use?
While reflujo ácido is the medical term for the condition, acidez is the common way to refer to the specific sensation of heartburn. Additionally, acidez gástrica and acidez gastroesofágica are feminine noun phrases used to describe the condition.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the informal term ardor de estómago is commonly used to refer to acid reflux.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term reflujo ácido is a masculine noun phrase, meaning any accompanying adjectives must also be masculine. Conversely, acidez gástrica and acidez gastroesofágica are feminine noun phrases, so any accompanying adjectives must be feminine.
Did you know?
- The word ardor is used both for the physical sensation of acid reflux and to describe a strong, passionate feeling or zeal.
- While acidez is used for heartburn, the word ácido can also be used in Spanish to describe a sarcastic or biting tone of voice.
- In some Latin American contexts, people may use the word agruras to describe the sour taste and burning sensation of acid reflux.
Examples in context
- Tengo reflujo ácido.I have acid reflux.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have reflujo ácido.Tatoeba #13028679 by Eremon, translation #12732760 by AmarMecheri
- Tengo acidez después de cada comida, necesito tomar algún antiácido.I have acid reflux after every meal, I need to take some antacids.
- Enfermero/a, tengo reflujo ácido y necesito ver a un médico.Nurse, I have acid reflux and need to see a doctor.
- El reflujo ácido es muy molesto por la noche.Acid reflux is very annoying at night.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about health at lunch.
- DanielNo puedo comer más, siento reflujo ácido.I can't eat anymore, I feel acid reflux.
- LucíaDeberías beber un poco de agua, Daniel.You should drink some water, Daniel.
- DanielCreo que fue la salsa muy picante.I think it was the very spicy sauce.
- LucíaTienes que tener cuidado con eso.You have to be careful with that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “acid reflux” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
