palpitante
/palpitante/from spelling rules
The English phrase "throbbing" is translated into Spanish as palpitante.
palpitante describes something beating strongly and rhythmically. It is more commonly used to describe a rhythmic beat, such as a heart, than for a dull, constant ache.
Which one should you use?
While palpitante can describe a physical sensation like a pulse, it is more commonly used for a rhythmic beat (like a heart) than for a dull, constant ache. Pulsante is a formal way to say throbbing.
How does it change in a sentence?
palpitante is an adjective and does not change based on the gender of the noun it modifies. The adjective palpitante becomes palpitantes when modifying a plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/palpitante/
Did you know?
- The word palpitante shares a root with the Spanish verb palpar, meaning 'to touch' or 'to feel by touch', reflecting the physical sensation of a pulse.
- While palpitante describes a beat, Spanish speakers often use the verb palpitar to describe an emotional feeling of excitement or anticipation, such as a 'throbbing' heart when seeing a loved one.
- The adjective palpitante can be used metaphorically to describe a city or a location that is 'throbbing' with life and energy.
Examples in context
- Siento un dolor palpitante en la cabeza.I feel a throbbing pain in my head.
- La herida está roja y pulsante.The wound is red and throbbing.
- Me late la cabeza.My head is throbbing.
- un dolor palpitantea throbbing pain
- Siento un dolor palpitante en la sien.I feel a throbbing pain in my temple.
- El ritmo palpitante de su corazón era constante.The throbbing rhythm of his heart was constant.
Example conversation
María tells Javier about a headache she has.
- MaríaJavier, me duele mucho la cabeza.Javier, my head hurts a lot.
- JavierLo siento, ¿es un dolor constante?I'm sorry, is it a constant pain?
- MaríaNo, es un dolor palpitante y fuerte.No, it is a strong, throbbing pain.
- JavierDeberías descansar un poco, María.You should rest a bit, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
