estoy estreñido
/estoi estɾeɲido/from spelling rules
To say "I am constipated" in Spanish, use estoy estreñido.
This phrase is used when a person is unable to empty their bowels.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb estar because constipation is treated as a temporary physical state or condition. Note that the adjective must agree with the speaker's gender: if the speaker is female, change the masculine estreñido to the feminine estreñida.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the verb ser instead of estar to express this condition. ser is used for permanent traits, while estar is required for transient medical states.
Did you know?
- If you use estoy constipado in a Spanish-speaking country, people will think you have a common cold or a nasal congestion rather than digestive issues.
- The verb estreñir shares an ancient root with the word 'strait', which in English refers to something narrow or tight. This reflects the sensation of tightness in the digestive tract.
- In some Latin American countries, people may use the phrase estoy empacado to describe this condition, which literally means 'I am packed' or 'I am crammed'.
Examples in context
- Estoy estreñido.I am constipated.This sentence is useful for stating that you are constipated using estoy estreñido.Tatoeba #1179886 by Shishir, translation #320385 by Aghanim
- Me disculpo, pero estoy estreñido/estreñida y no me siento bien. ¿Podría ayudarme?I apologize, but I am constipated, and I don't feel well. Could you help me?
- Necesito hacerle saber que tengo problemas de estreñimiento. ¿Hay alguna solución que pueda recomendarme?I need to let you know that I have constipation problems. Is there any solution you could recommend?
- Chicos, necesito contarles algo. Me cuesta hacer del cuerpo y estoy bastante incómodo/incómoda. ¿Alguien sabe qué puedo hacer?Guys, I need to tell you something. It's hard for me to do my business, and I'm quite uncomfortable. Does anyone know what I can do?
- No me siento bien porque estoy estreñido.I don't feel well because I am constipated.
- Creo que estoy estreñido desde ayer.I think I have been constipated since yesterday.
Example conversation
Daniel is explaining his discomfort to Lucía in their kitchen.
- DanielLucía, me duele la barriga.Lucía, my stomach hurts.
- Lucía¿Es por algo que comiste?Is it because of something you ate?
- DanielNo, es que estoy estreñido.No, it's that I am constipated.
- LucíaDeberías beber más agua, Daniel.You should drink more water, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estreñido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
