mariposas en el estómago
/maɾiposas en el estomaɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "butterflies in my stomach" is translated into Spanish as mariposas en el estómago.
This phrase describes a feeling of nervousness or excitement, which is often felt before a big event.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of the English idiom, using mariposas for butterflies and estómago for stomach.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, you use the verb tener (to have) to express this feeling, rather than sentir (to feel).
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾiposas en el estomaɡo/
Did you know?
- While mariposas en el estómago is common, Spanish speakers also use the phrase tener un nudo en el estómago, which means 'to have a knot in the stomach'. This is typically reserved for anxiety or dread rather than the excitement of butterflies.
- The word estómago shares an ancient root with the Greek word stóma, meaning 'mouth', which is why it originally referred to the 'gullet' or throat area.
- In romantic contexts, Spanish speakers often say sentir mariposas without mentioning the stomach. In these cases, the phrase focuses on the overall feeling of falling in love rather than just nervousness.
Examples in context
- Tengo mariposas en el estómago.I have butterflies in my stomach.This sentence is useful for expressing that you personally have the feeling using mariposas en el estómago.Tatoeba #1172283 by erjabi, translation #18954 by CK
- Cuando estoy cerca de ella, siempre tengo mariposas en el estómago.When I'm around her, I always have butterflies in my stomach.
- Cada vez que la veo, siento cosquillas en el estómago.Every time I see her, I feel tickles in my stomach.
- Cuando estamos juntos, siempre siento mariposas en el estómago.When we're together, I always feel little butterflies in the stomach.
- Siento mariposas en el estómago cada vez que lo veo.I feel butterflies in my stomach every time I see him.
- Siento mariposas en el estómago antes de un examen.I feel butterflies in my stomach before an exam.
- Tener mariposas en el estómago es normal en la primera cita.Having butterflies in your stomach is normal on a first date.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking before a music concert where Sofía is performing.
- SofíaTengo muchas mariposas en el estómago ahora mismo.I have many butterflies in my stomach right now.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, lo vas a hacer genial, Sofía.Don't worry, you are going to do great, Sofía.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, pero estoy muy nerviosa.Thanks, Alejandro, but I am very nervous.
- AlejandroEs solo la emoción del momento.It is just the excitement of the moment.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, en, estómago, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
