reflejo nauseoso
/reflexo nauseoso/from spelling rules
The English phrase gag reflex is translated into Spanish as reflejo nauseoso.
The term refers to the reflex contraction of the throat. If you want to describe the physical action of gagging or retching, you would use the informal expression dar arcadas.
Meaning: a reflex contraction of the throat (noun)
Which one should you use?
Reflejo nauseoso is a formal term for 'gag reflex'. In more specific medical or formal contexts, you may encounter reflejo faríngeo, which refers specifically to the reflex located in the pharynx area.
Did you know?
- The word nauseoso can mean 'nauseating' in a medical sense or 'disgusting' when describing a person's behavior or an object.
- The word reflejo is a direct cognate of the English 'reflex', both descending from the Latin reflexus which means 'bent back'.
- In Spanish, the term náuseas is often used in a broad sense to describe any feeling of sickness, whereas English distinguishes more strictly between 'nausea' and 'gagging'.
Examples in context
- tengo arcadasI feel like gagging
- Tengo un reflejo nauseoso muy sensible.I have a very sensitive gag reflex.
- El dentista activó mi reflejo nauseoso.The dentist triggered my gag reflex.
- Es normal tener un reflejo nauseoso al cepillarse.It is normal to have a gag reflex when brushing.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are at the dentist's office.
- Elena¿Te duele algo, Daniel?Does anything hurt, Daniel?
- DanielNo, pero mi reflejo nauseoso es muy fuerte.No, but my gag reflex is very strong.
- ElenaEntiendo, eso puede ser incómodo para ti.I understand, that can be uncomfortable for you.
- DanielSí, espero que terminemos pronto.Yes, I hope we finish soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries reflejo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
