dolor de espalda
/doloɾ de espalda/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "sore back" is translated as dolor de espalda.
dolor de espalda is used to describe physical pain or discomfort felt in the back area of the body.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of dolor (pain), de (of) and espalda (back).
Which one should you use?
While dolor de espalda is the general term for a sore back, dolor lumbar is the more specific medical or technical term for lower back pain.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my back is sore" or "my back hurts", Spanish speakers typically use the verb doler with an indirect object pronoun and a definite article, rather than using a possessive adjective. For example, instead of using a possessive, one would say me duele la espalda. In casual contexts, you might also say Estoy con dolor de espalda to express that you are experiencing discomfort.
How do you pronounce it?
/doloɾ de espalda/
Did you know?
- The word espalda is a linguistic relative of espada, the word for 'sword'. Both come from a Latin term for a broad and flat piece of metal.
- The word dolor in dolor de espalda describes both physical pain and emotional grief, meaning the same word is used for a 'sore back' and a 'broken heart'.
Examples in context
- Tengo un dolor de espalda intensoI have an intense back pain
- El ejercicio me causó un dolor de espalda.The exercise caused me a sore back.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are talking at home.
- MaríaMateo, ¿por qué estás caminando así?Mateo, why are you walking like that?
- MateoTengo un dolor de espalda terrible hoy.I have a terrible sore back today.
- María¿Quieres que te ayude con una crema?Do you want me to help you with a cream?
- MateoSí, por favor, María.Yes, please, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, dolor, espalda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
