dolor sordo
/doloɾ soɾdo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dull pain" is translated into Spanish as dolor sordo.
dolor sordo is used to describe a continuous ache that is not sharp or intense.
What does it mean word for word?
While sordo literally means "deaf", when it is used to describe a pain, it refers to a sensation that is muted or not sharp.
Which one should you use?
To distinguish a dull pain from a sharp pain, you should use the term dolor agudo.
How do you pronounce it?
/doloɾ soɾdo/
Did you know?
- The root of sordo comes from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'ringing' or 'whistling', which is the opposite of the current meaning of 'quiet' or 'muted'.
- The term agudo used for sharp pain is the same word Spanish speakers use to describe a high-pitched sound or a keen intelligence.
- While dolor sordo is the clinical term, patients often use the verb molestar (to bother) to describe the annoying, persistent nature of a dull ache.
Examples in context
- Tengo un dolor sordo en la espalda bajaI have a dull pain in my lower back
- Siento un dolor sordo en la espalda.I feel a dull pain in my back.
- Tiene un dolor sordo en la rodilla.He has a dull pain in his knee.
- Es solo un dolor sordo y constante.It is just a dull and constant pain.
Example conversation
Mateo is describing his symptoms to Lucía, a nurse.
- MateoSiento un dolor sordo en la rodilla.I feel a dull pain in my knee.
- Lucía¿Es constante o viene y va?Is it constant or does it come and go?
- MateoEs un dolor sordo y constante.It is a constant, dull pain.
- LucíaEntiendo, Mateo. Vamos a revisarlo ahora.I understand, Mateo. Let's check it now.
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.
