náuseas
/nauseas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the English phrase "gagging" can be translated as náuseas.
The term náuseas refers to the physical sensation of wanting to vomit. You can also use the phrase ganas de vomitar to describe the specific urge to vomit, which is a very common way to express this sensation.
Which one should you use?
While náuseas is the standard term for the sensation, Dar arcadas is a way to describe the physical act of gagging or retching and Desatar arcadas is used when describing the act of triggering those gagging responses.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that you are experiencing gagging or nausea, it is most common to use the verb tener (to have) rather than estar (to be). For example, you would say tener náuseas.
How do you pronounce it?
/nauseas/
Did you know?
- The word arcadas, used to describe the act of gagging, is also the term used for the sounds a machine or engine makes when it is struggling or sputtering.
- The term vomitar is quite direct, but if you want to be more polite or indirect when describing the aftermath of gagging, you might use the euphemism devolver.
- While náuseas describes the feeling, the term arcadas is specifically used for the rhythmic contractions of the throat. In some regions, this word is also used metaphorically to describe a reaction of intense disgust or repulsion toward someone's behavior.
Examples in context
- Cuando huele a algo desagradable, a veces tengo arcadas.When I smell something unpleasant, sometimes I gag.
- La comida echada a perder me da arcadas.Spoiled food makes me gag.
- El olor a alcohol fuerte me provoca náuseas.The smell of strong alcohol makes me gag.
- Ver esa imagen me desata arcadas.Seeing that image triggers gagging in me.
- Tengo náuseas por el olor.I have nausea from the smell.
- Siento constantes náuseas esta mañana.I feel constant nausea this morning.
- Las náuseas no me dejan comer.The nausea won't let me eat.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are at a seafood market.
- LucíaDaniel, este pescado huele muy mal.Daniel, this fish smells very bad.
- DanielSí, es un olor muy fuerte.Yes, it is a very strong smell.
- LucíaMe dan náuseas solo de verlo.I feel like gagging just by looking at it.
- DanielVámonos rápido de aquí entonces.Let's get out of here quickly then.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
