moqueo
/mokeo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sniffles" is translated into Spanish as moqueo.
moqueo is used to describe the physical symptom of a runny or congested nose rather than the entire illness (the cold itself).
Meaning: symptoms of a cold (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/mokeo/
Did you know?
- In Spain and parts of Latin America, a child with a runny nose is often called a mocoso, which literally means 'snotty one'. While it describes the moqueo, it is frequently used as a derogatory term for a bratty or spoiled child.
- The phrase tener los mocos colgando literally means 'to have the sniffles hanging' and is used as a vivid, slightly mocking way to describe a very runny nose.
- If you are describing a child with a runny nose, you might use the diminutive moqueíto to make the symptom sound less intense or more endearing. This softening is a common way to handle unpleasant physical symptoms in Spanish.
Examples in context
- No puedo parar de sonarme los mocos.I can't stop blowing my nose
- Su moqueo no para desde ayer.His sniffles haven't stopped since yesterday.
- Ese moqueo constante es señal de un resfriado.That constant sniffing is a sign of a cold.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are at home in the winter.
- MaríaMateo, ¿tienes moqueo desde la mañana?Mateo, have you had the sniffles since this morning?
- MateoSí, creo que me estoy resfriando.Yes, I think I am catching a cold.
- MaríaUsa estos pañuelos para el moqueo.Use these tissues for the sniffles.
- MateoMuchas gracias, María.Thank you very much, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry moqueo, 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.
