Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| con náuseas | /kon nauseas/ (from spelling rules) | |
| con náusea | /kon nausea/ (from spelling rules) | |
| nauseabundo | /nauseaˈbundo/ | uncommon |
| sentir náusea | /sentiɾ nausea/ (from spelling rules) | verb |
| sentir náuseas | /sentiɾ nauseas/ (from spelling rules) | verb |
To describe the physical sensation of being nauseous, Spanish speakers typically use a prepositional phrase rather than a single adjective. You can express this sensation by saying you are con náuseas (with nausea) or by using verbs like sentir náuseas (to feel nausea) or tener náuseas (to have nausea).
Which one should you use?
While con náuseas describes the sensation of feeling sick, the word nauseabundo describes something that causes nausea, such as a disgusting or foul smell. Additionally, the forms con náusea and con náuseas are both used to describe the feeling.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase me siento mareado/a is often used to express that one is feeling nauseous.
How does it change in a sentence?
Rather than using a single adjective to describe the state of being nauseous, Spanish speakers typically use the prepositional phrase con náuseas (with nausea).
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using nauseabundo to say that you feel sick. This word actually means that something is nauseating or emits a disgusting odor. Instead, use con náuseas or tener náuseas.
Did you know?
- The word náusea has its roots in the Ancient Greek word for a 'ship', nausía, which literally referred to the sensation of seasickness.
- If you use the adjective nauseabundo to describe how you feel, you are actually saying that you yourself smell or look disgusting to others.
- In Mexico, the word mareado is used for nausea, which literally means 'dizzy' or 'sea-sick'.
Examples in context
- Durante el viaje en barco, me siento nauseoso/a.During the boat trip, I feel nauseous.
- Con la cara pálida y sosteniendo mi estómago, le dije: "Tengo náuseas".With a pale face and holding my stomach, I said, "I feel nauseous".
- Siento náuseas constantes junto con fiebre alta y malestar general. Creo que debería ver a un médico.I have constant nausea along with a high fever and overall discomfort. I think I should see a doctor.
- Me siento con náuseas después de comer.I feel nauseous after eating.
- Ella está con náuseas por el viaje.She is nauseous from the trip.
- Él se despertó con náuseas esta mañana.He woke up nauseous this morning.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are at home during a long car ride.
- Alejandro¿Estás bien, María?Are you okay, María?
- MaríaNo, estoy con náuseas por el movimiento.No, I am nauseous from the movement.
- AlejandroLo siento mucho, descansa un poco.I am very sorry, rest a little.
- MaríaGracias, Alejandro, lo agradezco.Thanks, Alejandro, I appreciate it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nauseous” translations and entries nauseabundo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, nauseabundo, náusea, sentir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
