me duele algo
/me dwele alɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'something hurts' is translated into Spanish as me duele algo.
To be more explicit about the type of pain and where it hurts, you can use the formal phrase Siento dolor en. The phrase Me está matando is a colloquial way to say that something is hurting you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase me duele algo literally translates to 'to me it hurts something'. In this structure, algo (something) is the subject performing the action of hurting, while me (to me) is the recipient of the sensation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the indirect object pronoun me to indicate that the pain is being felt by the speaker.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, instead of just saying a body part hurts, people might use the verb molestar to mean 'to bother' or 'to be painful', as in me molesta la espalda.
- Spanish speakers often use the definite article 'the' (el or la) instead of 'my' when saying something hurts. Instead of 'my head hurts', they say me duele la cabeza, which literally means 'the head hurts me'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a common response to me duele algo is for the listener to suggest a remedio casero or homemade remedy, such as a tea or a poultice, before suggesting a doctor.
Examples in context
- Me duele la cabeza.My head hurts.
- Me duele un montón el brazo.My arm hurts a lot.
- No sé qué es, pero me duele algo en el brazo.I don't know what it is, but something hurts in my arm.
Example conversation
Elena is visiting Javier at his home.
- ElenaJavier, te ves un poco mal hoy.Javier, you look a bit unwell today.
- JavierSí, creo que me duele algo en la espalda.Yes, I think something hurts in my back.
- Elena¿Te pasó algo en el gimnasio?Did something happen to you at the gym?
- JavierCreo que levanté una caja muy pesada.I think I lifted a very heavy box.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
