tengo cólicos
/tenɡo kolikos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have cramps" is translated into Spanish as tengo cólicos.
This phrase is most commonly used to describe menstrual cramps or painful contractions in the abdomen. It is specifically used for internal abdominal pain rather than muscle spasms in the limbs.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tener (to have) in the first person singular and the noun cólicos (cramps).
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the types of pain described. Use tengo cólicos for internal or abdominal cramps. In contrast, tengo calambres is used to describe muscle cramps caused by things like dehydration or exercise, such as a cramp in your leg.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, a common way to refer to menstrual pain or menstrual cramps is dolor de regla. In some Latin American countries, the word retortijones is used instead of calambres to refer to cramps.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, referring to cólicos or la regla is often avoided in mixed company. People may use the phrase estoy indispuesta to signal they are unwell without naming the cause.
- The word retortijones comes from retorcer, meaning 'to twist'. It describes the physical sensation of the intestines twisting, which is a more graphic description than the English 'cramps'.
- While cólicos describes the pain, the word regla in the phrase dolor de regla literally means 'rule'. This refers to the 'rule' or regularity of the menstrual cycle.
Examples in context
- Tengo calambres en el abdomen.I have cramps in my abdomen.
- Estoy sufriendo de calambres menstruales.I am suffering from menstrual cramps.
- Hoy no puedo ir al gimnasio porque estoy con cólicos.I can't go to the gym today because I have cramps.
- Tengo calambres en las piernas.I have cramps in my legs.
- Tengo cólicos muy fuertes hoy.I have very strong cramps today.
- No puedo salir porque tengo cólicos.I cannot go out because I have cramps.
- Tengo cólicos y necesito descansar.I have cramps and I need to rest.
Example conversation
Sofía is feeling unwell at home and tells Daniel.
- SofíaDaniel, no me siento bien, tengo cólicos.Daniel, I don't feel well, I have cramps.
- Daniel¿Quieres que te traiga un té caliente?Do you want me to bring you a hot tea?
- SofíaSí, por favor, me ayudaría mucho.Yes, please, that would help me a lot.
- DanielEstá bien, Sofía, ahora mismo lo traigo.Alright, Sofía, I'll bring it right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
