Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| jet lag | /ˈʝet ˌlaɡ/ | masculine |
| trastorno por desfase/desfasaje horario | masculine |
The term refers to the physical condition. When describing this experience in Spanish, you will typically use the verb sufrir (to suffer) or tener (to have).
What does it mean word for word?
The formal phrase trastorno por desfase horario literally means "time-shift disorder."
Which one should you use?
The word jet lag is a direct loanword from English used in casual speech. The phrase trastorno por desfase horario is the technical term used for the condition.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
jet lag is widely used and understood in Spanish-speaking countries, especially in casual conversation. For medical or official contexts, the formal phrase trastorno por desfase horario or Efecto del desfase horario is more appropriate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, desfase is commonly used, whereas in parts of Latin America, the term desfasaje is more frequent. In Mexico, the specific term descompensación horaria is used to describe this condition.
How does it change in a sentence?
The English loanword jet lag is treated as a masculine noun and usually takes the definite article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʝet ˌlaɡ/
Did you know?
- The word trastorno comes from the verb trastornar, which literally means to turn something upside down or overturn it.
- The term desfasaje used in Latin America shares a root with words for 'out of phase' in electronics and physics.
- The masculine article el is used with jet lag because most unadapted English loanwords in Spanish default to the masculine gender.
Examples in context
- Siempre que salgo al extranjero, sufro de jet lag y diarrea.Whenever I go abroad, I suffer from jet lag and diarrhea.This sentence is useful for describing how one feels when traveling abroad using the form jet lag.Tatoeba #1280186 by marcelostockle, translation #22208 by RJH
- Ha pasado una semana, pero todavía estoy sufriendo el jet lag.It's been a week, but I'm still suffering from jet lag.This sentence is useful for showing how long the effects of jet lag can last.Tatoeba #360278 by tatoerique, translation #73130 by CK
- Después del viaje, sufrí el efecto del desfase horario.After the trip, I suffered the effect of the time difference.
- El jet lag me impide dormir bien.The jet lag prevents me from sleeping well.
Example conversation
Two friends talking after a long flight.
- María¿Cómo te sientes después del viaje, Daniel?How do you feel after the trip, Daniel?
- DanielEstoy fatal, creo que tengo mucho jet lag.I feel terrible, I think I have a lot of jet lag.
- MaríaDeberías tomar una siesta corta para descansar.You should take a short nap to rest.
- DanielTienes razón, el jet lag es lo peor.You are right, jet lag is the worst.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jet lag” translations and entries jet lag, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries horario, jet, jet lag, lag, por, trastorno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
