quemarse
/kemaɾse/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'get burned' is translated into Spanish as quemarse.
The verb quemarse is used for physical burns, such as those caused by fire or the sun, as well as for the figurative sense of being deceived or scammed. You can also use the phrase tener una quemadura de sol specifically to mean 'to have a sunburn'.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of quemar (to burn) and the reflexive pronoun se (oneself), literally meaning 'to burn oneself'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of the Caribbean, specifically Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, the phrase agarrarse un sol is used to mean 'to get burned by the sun'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone 'got burned' in the past, use the preterite form se quemó.
How do you pronounce it?
/kemaɾse/
Did you know?
- While quemarse describes the process of burning, the word quemadura refers to the injury, yet in some dialects, a 'sunburn' is colloquially called a tostada meaning 'toasted'.
- Spanish distinguishes between quemarse (to get burned) and chamuscarse (to get singed), a specific word used when only the surface or the edges of something are slightly burned.
- While 'quemarse' is the standard term for a physical burn, in some Latin American slang, being 'quemado' (burned) can describe someone who has been caught or exposed in a lie or a scandalous situation.
Examples in context
- Él sufrió quemaduras graves en el incendioHe suffered serious burns in the fire
- La víctima resultó herida por quemaduras durante el accidenteThe victim got injured from burns during the accident
- Me he quemado con el solI got burned by the sun
- Me churrusqué la mano al coger la sartén calienteI got really burnt on my hand when I grabbed the hot pan
- Me agarré un sol terrible en la excursiónI got a terrible sunburn on the excursion
- Tengo una quemadura de sol en los hombrosI have a sunburn on my shoulders
- Me quemé con el sol.I got burned by the sun.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are preparing to cook lunch in the kitchen.
- ElenaJavier, ten mucho cuidado con el aceite caliente.Javier, be very careful with the hot oil.
- JavierNo te preocupes, no quiero quemarme.Don't worry, I don't want to get burned.
- ElenaEs mejor usar guantes para no quemarse.It's better to use gloves to avoid getting burned.
- JavierTienes razón, usaré los guantes de cocina.You're right, I will use the oven mitts.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry quemarse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
