dolor sordo
/doloɾ soɾdo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dull ache" is translated into Spanish as dolor sordo.
The phrase describes a continuous pain that is not sharp but is felt at a low intensity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of dolor (pain) and sordo (deaf/dull).
Which one should you use?
While dolor sordo describes a low-intensity, continuous ache, dolor punzante is used for sharp, stabbing sensations.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because dolor is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine indefinite article un when referring to a single instance of the ache.
How do you pronounce it?
/doloɾ soɾdo/
Did you know?
- The word sordo can be used to describe a color that is muted or lacks brilliance.
- The adjective sordo is a distant relative of the English mathematical term 'surd', which relates to irrational numbers.
- Spanish speakers use the specific verb sobar to describe the action of rubbing a muscle to soothe a dolor sordo.
Examples in context
- Aquí tengo un dolor sordo.I have a dull ache here.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use dolor sordo to state that you have an ache in a specific location.Tatoeba #13017599 by Eremon, translation #61728 by CK
- ¡Ay, esa posición incómoda me está causando un dolor sordo en la espalda!Ay, that uncomfortable position is causing me a dull ache in my back!
- Me duele mucho el estómago, pero es más una molestia difusa que un dolor agudo.My stomach hurts a lot, but it is more a diffuse discomfort than a sharp pain.
- Me duele la cabeza de forma constante, es más bien una pesadez.My head hurts constantly, it is more of a heaviness.
- Siento un dolor sordo en la espalda.I feel a dull ache in my back.
- Es solo un dolor sordo, nada grave.It is just a dull ache, nothing serious.
Example conversation
Sofía is telling Daniel about her health at home.
- SofíaDaniel, tengo un dolor sordo en el brazo.Daniel, I have a dull ache in my arm.
- Daniel¿Desde cuándo sientes ese dolor sordo, Sofía?Since when have you felt that dull ache, Sofía?
- SofíaEmpezó hace un par de horas.It started a couple of hours ago.
- DanielDeberías ir al médico mañana.You should go to the doctor tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dolor, sordo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
