vómito
/ˈbomito/
The English word 'emesis' is translated into Spanish as vómito.
The word vómito is used to refer to both the act of vomiting and the substance itself. While the technical medical term 'emesis' exists in Spanish, it is reserved for scientific or clinical settings.
Meaning: act of vomiting (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, 'emesis' is a technical term, whereas vómito is the standard Spanish word used for both the act of vomiting and the vomit itself.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The technical term 'emesis' is used almost exclusively in clinical or scientific contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form of the noun vómito is vomitar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbomito/
Did you know?
- In polite social situations, Spanish speakers often use the verb devolver, which literally means 'to return' or 'to give back', as a euphemism for the act of emesis.
- While vómito is the standard term, the phrase echar el vómito uses the verb echar, meaning 'to throw', creating a phrasing almost identical to the English idiom 'to throw up'.
- The phrase tener ganas de vomitar is used to describe nausea, where tener ganas literally translates to 'having the desire' to vomit.
Examples in context
- Tiene mucho vómito.He/she has a lot of vomit.
- El vómito fue muy repentino.The vomiting was very sudden.
- El médico analizó el vómito.The doctor analyzed the vomit.
Example conversation
A mother is checking on her sick son at home.
- María¿Cómo te sientes, Daniel?How do you feel, Daniel?
- DanielMe duele mucho el estómago.My stomach hurts a lot.
- MaríaEspero que el vómito pare pronto.I hope the vomiting stops soon.
- DanielGracias, mamá.Thanks, mom.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vómito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
