dolor de cabeza
/doˌloɾ de kaˈbeθa/
In Spanish, head pain is called dolor de cabeza.
The phrase refers to a physical sensation of pain or discomfort located in the head.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of dolor (pain) and de cabeza (of head).
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my head hurts" or "I have a headache", Spanish speakers often use the verb doler instead of the noun dolor, such as in the phrase me duele la cabeza.
How do you pronounce it?
/doˌloɾ de kaˈbeθa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using possessive adjectives like mi (my) with body parts when describing pain. Instead of saying mi cabeza duele, it is more natural to use the definite article la with the verb doler, such as in me duele la cabeza.
Did you know?
- In some regions, the expression estoy que me explota la cabeza is used to describe an intense dolor de cabeza, literally meaning 'my head is about to explode'.
- In Spanish, dolor de cabeza is used both for physical pain and to describe a person or situation that is a nuisance or a 'headache' to deal with.
- The word dolor shares a common ancestor with the English word 'dolorous', which describes someone feeling great sorrow.
Examples in context
- Tengo un dolor de cabezaI have a headache
- Me duele la cabezaMy head hurts
- Amiga, no puedo salir hoy. Me duele mucho la cabeza.Friend, I can't go out today. I have a really bad headache.
- ¿Alguien tiene algo para el dolor de cabeza? Me siento fatal.Does anyone have something for a headache? I feel awful.
- Tengo un fuerte dolor de cabeza.I have a strong headache.
- El dolor de cabeza no se me pasa.The headache won't go away.
- ¿Es un dolor de cabeza constante?Is it a constant headache?
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking in their living room.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿tú también tienes dolor de cabeza?Alejandro, do you also have a headache?
- AlejandroSí, Elena, me duele mucho la cabeza.Yes, Elena, my head hurts a lot.
- ElenaTal vez necesitas descansar un poco.Maybe you need to rest a bit.
- AlejandroTienes razón, voy a acostarme.You are right, I am going to lie down.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dolor de cabeza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cabeza, de, dolor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
