me duele
/me dwele/from spelling rules
To say "hurt me" in Spanish, you use me duele.
This phrase is used to express that a specific part of your body is experiencing physical pain.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is structured so that the body part functions as the subject and me is the indirect object. Literally, it translates to "it causes pain to me".
Did you know?
- In Spanish, you typically use the definite article el or la instead of 'my' when saying me duele el brazo, because the me already indicates that the arm belongs to you.
- While me duele describes physical pain, Spanish speakers use the verb doler to describe emotional heartbreak, such as saying me duele el alma to mean 'my soul hurts'.
- While me duele is for current pain, Spanish uses the verb dolerse in a reflexive form to describe someone who is acting overly sensitive or 'hurt' by a criticism.
Examples in context
- Por favor, evite lastimarme físicamente o emocionalmente.Please avoid hurting me physically or emotionally.
- Es importante que tome en cuenta mis sentimientos y evite causarme daño.It's important for you to consider my feelings and avoid causing me harm.
- No me hagas daño con tus palabras.Don't hurt me with your words.
- No quiero que nadie me moleste. Me siento herido emocionalmente.I don't want anyone to bother me. I feel emotionally hurt.
- Me duele la cabeza.My head hurts.
- Me duele mucho el estómago.My stomach hurts a lot.
- Me duele la espalda después de trabajar.My back hurts after working.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are at home after a long day.
- Lucía¿Cómo estás, Daniel?How are you, Daniel?
- DanielNo muy bien, me duele la pierna.Not very well, my leg hurts.
- LucíaLo siento mucho, ¿quieres descansar?I am very sorry, do you want to rest?
- DanielSí, Lucía, necesito sentarme.Yes, Lucía, I need to sit down.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
