sofocos
/sofokos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hot flashes" is translated into Spanish as sofocos.
This phrase refers to the sudden feelings of warmth and flushing typically experienced by women during menopause. To express that someone is experiencing hot flashes, use the verb tener (to have) followed by sofocos.
Which one should you use?
While sofocos is a standard term, bochornos is a common synonym used in many Spanish-speaking countries. The term calorones is a colloquial and informal way to say hot flashes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, such as Mexico, the term bochornos may be more commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is sofoco, though the plural sofocos is much more common when referring to the symptom in general.
How do you pronounce it?
/sofokos/
Did you know?
- The term bochorno can describe both a menopausal hot flash and the feeling of intense social shame. This links the physical flushing of menopause to the blushing caused by embarrassment.
- While 'hot flashes' refers to temperature, the Spanish word sofocos comes from sofocar, meaning to suffocate or stifle. This shifts the focus from the heat itself to the feeling of being smothered.
- In the colloquial word calorones, Spanish uses an augmentative suffix to turn 'heat' into 'big heats'. It modifies the noun's size to convey intensity instead of using an adjective like 'strong'.
Examples in context
- Tengo sofocos debido a la menopausia.I have hot flashes due to menopause.
- Los bochornos me molestan durante el día.Hot flashes bother me during the day.
- Tengo muchos sofocos por la noche.I have many hot flashes at night.
- Los sofocos son muy molestos.Hot flashes are very annoying.
- Ella sufre de sofocos repentinos.She suffers from sudden hot flashes.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking in the living room.
- LucíaMateo, ¿puedes abrir la ventana, por favor?Mateo, can you open the window, please?
- MateoClaro, ¿tienes mucho calor, Lucía?Of course, are you very hot, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, estoy teniendo unos sofocos ahora mismo.Yes, I am having some hot flashes right now.
- MateoEntiendo, traeré un vaso de agua fría.I understand, I'll bring a glass of cold water.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
