espasmo
/esˈpasmo/masculine
The English phrase spasm is translated into Spanish as espasmo.
The term refers to the contraction of a muscle.
Meaning: contraction of a muscle (noun)
Which one should you use?
Espasmo is a formal translation of the term spasm used in medical and technical contexts, while contracción involuntaria is a formal way to refer to a spasm. For an informal way to describe a sudden, unexpected muscular contraction or twitch, you can use tirón.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈpasmo/
Did you know?
- In colloquial Spanish, the word espasmódico can be used to describe a person's erratic or jerky behavior, rather than just a physical medical condition.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if someone experiences a sudden muscle cramp or spasm, they might say they have a calambre, a word that specifically describes the painful sensation rather than the physiological contraction.
- In a medical context, a doctor might use the term espasmo muscular, but if the spasm is related to an involuntary movement of the eye, it is often referred to as tic.
Examples in context
- El médico le diagnosticó espasmos muscularesThe doctor diagnosed him/her with muscle spasms
- Después de la lesión, experimentó contracciones involuntariasAfter the injury, he/she experienced involuntary contractions
- Tengo un tirón en la piernaI have a spasm in my leg
- Me dio un calambre en el cuelloI had a spasm in my neck
- Me agarró un calambre en la mano mientras escribíaI got a spasm in my hand while writing
- El bebé tuvo unos espasmitos mientras dormíaThe baby had some spasms while sleeping
- El atleta sufrió un espasmo muscular durante la competenciaThe athlete had a muscle spasm during the competition
- Siento un fuerte espasmo en la pierna.I feel a strong spasm in my leg.
- El espasmo muscular fue muy doloroso.The muscle spasm was very painful.
- Tengo un espasmo constante en la espalda.I have a constant spasm in my back.
Example conversation
Lucía tells Alejandro about her leg pain during a walk.
- LucíaAlejandro, espera, tengo un espasmo en el pie.Alejandro, wait, I have a spasm in my foot.
- Alejandro¿Te duele mucho, Lucía?Does it hurt a lot, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, es un espasmo muy fuerte.Yes, it is a very strong spasm.
- AlejandroSiéntate un momento para descansar.Sit down for a moment to rest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spasm” translations and entries espasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
