boca seca
/boka seka/from spelling rules
The English phrase dry mouth is boca seca in Spanish.
While you can use the verb sentir (to feel) to describe the experience, it is more common to use the verb tener (to have) in the phrase tener la boca seca to say that one has a dry mouth.
Meaning: dry mouth (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of boca (mouth) and seca (dry).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because boca is a feminine noun, the adjective must agree with it by using the feminine form seca instead of the masculine seco.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word boca is used for a variety of non-human openings, such as boca de incendio for a fire hydrant and boca del bosque for the entrance to a forest.
- The Spanish boca may be a distant relative of the English word 'beak'. Both likely stem from an ancient root describing a protruding part of the face.
- If you are feeling extremely nervous or anxious, saying tengo la boca seca is a common way to express that physical sensation of dread. It is a physical way to signal your emotional state to others.
Examples in context
- ¿Sientes la boca seca con regularidad?Do you regularly experience dry mouth?This sentence is useful for asking if someone regularly experiences boca seca.Tatoeba #10111253 by manufrutos, translation #9851006 by NurseMeeks
- Tengo la boca seca después de correr.I have a dry mouth after running.
- Ese medicamento me deja la boca seca.That medicine leaves me with a dry mouth.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking at home about a new medication.
- Daniel¿Te sientes bien con la nueva medicina?Do you feel okay with the new medicine?
- MaríaSí, pero tengo la boca seca.Yes, but I have a dry mouth.
- DanielDeberías beber más agua para la boca seca.You should drink more water for your dry mouth.
- MaríaTienes razón, Daniel, lo haré.You are right, Daniel, I will do that.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
