flema
/ˈflema/feminine
The English word phlegm is flema in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists sheta and gargajo.
Meaning: mucus secreted in the bronchial passages (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| flema | /ˈflema/ | feminine |
| sheta | /seta/ (from spelling rules) | Guatemala, feminine |
| gargajo | /ɡaɾˈɡaxo/ | masculine |
| esputo | /esˈputo/ | masculine |
The term refers to the mucus secreted in the bronchial passages.
Which one should you use?
Flema is the common word for phlegm. In contrast, esputo is the technical medical term used for sputum and gargajo refers more specifically to the thick mass of phlegm that is coughed up or spat out, often in a more visceral or vulgar way. Sheta is a regional variant used in Guatemala.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Guatemala, the term sheta is used to refer to phlegm.
How does it change in a sentence?
While phlegm is an uncountable noun in English, in Spanish it is common to use the plural form flemas to describe multiple instances or a large amount of mucus.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈflema/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word flema is often used to describe a person who remains calm and imperturbable under pressure, similar to the English phrase 'stiff upper lip'.
- The concept of flema was central to the ancient theory of the four humors, where an excess of this fluid was thought to make a person apathetic or sluggish.
- The word flema originates from the Ancient Greek word for 'flame' or 'inflammation', which is the opposite of how the cool, sticky substance feels.
Examples in context
- ¿De qué color era la flema que expulsaste?What color was the phlegm that you coughed up?This sentence is useful for asking about the color of the flema that was coughed up.Tatoeba #10111042 by manufrutos, translation #9853832 by NurseMeeks
- Tengo muchas flemas.I have a lot of phlegm.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone has a lot of flema.Tatoeba #3008379 by hayastan, translation #40327 by Swift
- El paciente presenta flemas en los pulmones.The patient has phlegm in their lungs.
- La tos persistente está acompañada de mucho moco bronquial.The persistent cough is accompanied by a lot of phlegm.
- Me levanté con mucha flema esta mañana.I woke up with a lot of phlegm this morning.
- Después de la gripe, el niño aún tiene moco.After the flu, the child still has phlegm.
- El médico dijo que las flemas podrían ser un síntoma de bronquitis.The doctor said that the phlegm could be a symptom of bronchitis.
- La paciente tose y expulsa moco bronquial de color amarillo.The patient coughs and expels yellow bronchial mucus.
- No puedo hablar bien por culpa de la flema en mi garganta.I can't talk properly because of the phlegm in my throat.
- Tomar líquidos calientes ayuda a eliminar el moco cuando estás resfriado.Drinking hot liquids helps eliminate mucus when you have a cold.
- La flema es muy espesa.The phlegm is very thick.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about Mateo's cough at home.
- MateoTengo mucha flema en la garganta.I have a lot of phlegm in my throat.
- MaríaParece que tienes una infección.It looks like you have an infection.
- MateoSí, me duele al respirar.Yes, it hurts to breathe.
- MaríaDeberías ir al médico hoy.You should go to the doctor today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “phlegm” translations and entries flema, gargajo, esputo, 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 esputo, flema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
