How to Say "Lump in My Throat" in Spanish

nudo en la garganta

/nudo en la ɡaɾɡanta/from spelling rules

The English phrase "lump in my throat" is translated into Spanish as nudo en la garganta.

This phrase is used to describe the emotional sensation of being on the verge of crying.

What does it mean word for word?

The word nudo literally means knot, reflecting the physical sensation of a constriction in the throat.

How does it change in a sentence?

When describing the sensation occurring, Spanish speakers often use the reflexive construction se me puso (it placed itself to me) rather than saying 'I had a lump'.

How do you pronounce it?

/nudo en la ɡaɾɡanta/

Did you know?

The word garganta may have been created as an onomatopoeic word meant to mimic the sound of liquid moving in the throat.
In some Spanish dialects, garganta is used not just for the throat, but to refer to the narrow entrance of a canyon or a mountain pass.

Examples in context

Su bondad hizo que se me pusiera un nudo en la garganta.
Her kindness gave me a lump in my throat.
This sentence shows how a person's kindness can cause someone to experience a nudo en la garganta.
Tatoeba #1696553 by teskmon, translation #308901 by CM
Tengo un nudo en la garganta cada vez que escucho esta canción tan emotiva.
I have a lump in my throat every time I listen to this emotional song.
Es normal sentir un bolo en la garganta cuando se vive una situación estresante.
It is normal to feel a lump in the throat when experiencing a stressful situation.
¡Cada vez que veo esa película, tengo un nudo en la garganta!
Every time I watch that movie, I get a lump in my throat!
Sentí un nudo en la garganta al ver la película.
I felt a lump in my throat watching the movie.
Tengo un nudo en la garganta de la emoción.
I have a lump in my throat from emotion.

Example conversation

Mateo and Lucía are talking about a sad book they finished.

Mateo

¿Te gustó el final del libro?
Did you like the end of the book?
Lucía

Sí, pero me dio un nudo en la garganta.
Yes, but it gave me a lump in my throat.
Mateo

A mí también me hizo llorar.
It made me cry too.
Lucía

Fue una historia muy triste, Mateo.
It was a very sad story, Mateo.

Sources

IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, garganta, la, nudo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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How to Say “Lump in My Throat” in Spanish