estreñido
/estɾeˈɲido/
The Spanish word for constipated is estreñido.
estreñido is an adjective used to describe the physical state of being unable to defecate. It is used with the verb estar (to be) because constipation is viewed as a temporary physical state rather than a permanent characteristic.
Meaning: unable to defecate (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the informal phrase No puedo hacer caca is commonly used to express that one cannot defecate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person or people experiencing the condition. Use estreñido for a male, estreñida for a female, estreñidos for a group of males or a mixed-gender group and estreñidas for a group of only females.
How do you pronounce it?
/estɾeˈɲido/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word constipado does not mean 'constipated' but instead refers to having a common cold or nasal congestion.
- In some traditional Latin American cultures, empacho is treated as a medical condition that can be 'cured' by a practitioner using a massage technique called sobada.
- Spanish speakers may use the phrase tener el intestino perezoso meaning 'to have a lazy intestine' to describe chronic constipation.
Examples in context
- Llevo tres días estreñido.I have been constipated for three days.This sentence is useful for expressing the duration of the condition using estreñido.Tatoeba #10111186 by manufrutos, translation #2660302 by WestofEden
- ¿Cuánto tiempo has estado estreñido?How long have you felt constipated?This sentence is useful for asking about the duration of the condition using estreñido.Tatoeba #10111087 by manufrutos, translation #9849656 by NurseMeeks
- Estoy estreñido.I am constipated.This sentence is useful for stating the current state of being constipated using estreñido.Tatoeba #1179886 by Shishir, translation #320385 by Aghanim
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about a dietary change at home.
- MaríaJavier, ¿te sientes mal?Javier, do you feel unwell?
- JavierSí, estoy un poco estreñido.Yes, I am a little constipated.
- MaríaDeberías comer más fruta.You should eat more fruit.
- JavierTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “constipated” translations and entries estreñido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
