me duele la cabeza
/me ˌdwele la kaˈbeθa/
To say "my head hurts" in Spanish, use me duele la cabeza.
me duele la cabeza is the phrase used to express that you have a pain in your head. In Spain, you can say Me duele la cabeza un montón to convey a severe headache.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ˌdwele la kaˈbeθa/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, calling someone a cabezón (a big head) is a way to call them stubborn rather than commenting on their physical appearance.
- The word cabeza actually comes from a Latin diminutive, capitium, which means 'little head'. Over time, this diminutive form evolved into the standard word for 'head' in Spanish.
- The phrase me duele la cabeza can be used metaphorically in some Spanish-speaking regions to express that a situation or a person is causing you a great deal of frustration or stress.
Examples in context
- Me duele la cabeza.My head hurts.This example shows the basic way to state that your head hurts.Tatoeba #339837 by tatoerique, translation #456425 by lukaszpp
- Me he agripado y me duele la cabeza.I've caught a cold and my head hurts.This sentence is useful for explaining that your headache is a symptom of having caught a cold.Tatoeba #1451581 by darinmex, translation #319776 by blay_paul
- Me duele la cabeza de tanto trabajar.My head hurts from working so much.This sentence shows how to express that your head hurts as a result of working too much.Tatoeba #2055126 by Joseshka, translation #9665573 by DJ_Saidez
- Disculpe, doctor, me duele la cabeza.Excuse me, doctor, my head hurts.
- Quería avisarle que no podré ir a la reunión. Tengo dolor de cabeza.I wanted to let you know that I won't be able to attend the meeting. I have a headache.
- No puedo salir hoy, me duele la cabeza.I can't go out today, my head hurts.
- No puedo pensar ahora, tengo un dolor de cabeza terrible.I can't think right now, I have a terrible headache.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are at home in the living room.
- DanielMaría, me duele la cabeza mucho.María, my head hurts a lot.
- MaríaLo siento, Daniel. ¿Quieres una pastilla?I'm sorry, Daniel. Do you want a pill?
- DanielSí, por favor, me duele la cabeza.Yes, please, my head hurts.
- MaríaToma esto y descansa un poco.Take this and rest a bit.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry me duele la cabeza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cabeza, la, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
