vértigo
/ˈbeɾtiɡo/masculine
The English word vertigo is translated into Spanish as vértigo. Wiktionary also lists mareo.
Meaning: sensation of whirling and loss of balance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vértigo | /ˈbeɾtiɡo/ | masculine |
| mareo | /maˈɾeo/ | masculine |
The term refers to a sensation of whirling and a loss of balance. To express that you are experiencing this sensation, you use the collocation tener vértigo.
Which one should you use?
While vértigo refers specifically to the sensation of spinning or loss of balance, mareo is a more general term used for dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun vértigo can be used in its plural form, vértigos, to refer to multiple instances or different types of vertigo-like sensations.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbeɾtiɡo/
Did you know?
- The word mareo is derived from mar, the Spanish word for 'sea'. It originally described the specific sensation of seasickness before becoming a general term for dizziness.
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, marear can be used figuratively to mean 'to confuse' or 'to baffle' someone, much like 'to make someone's head spin'.
- While vértigo is the clinical term for a spinning sensation, if you feel lightheaded from standing up too fast or from the heat, you should use mareo. Using vértigo in those casual moments might sound overly medical to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- ¿Tienes vértigos?Do you have vertigo?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is experiencing vértigo.Tatoeba #10111062 by manufrutos, translation #9850994 by NurseMeeks
- Sami tenía vértigo.Sami had vertigo.This sentence is useful for stating that someone had vértigo.Tatoeba #13721588 by Seael, translation #7991779 by OsoHombre
- Me siento mareado después del viaje en barco.I feel giddy after the boat trip.
- Siento un fuerte vértigo al mirar hacia abajo.I feel a strong sense of vertigo when looking down.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are standing on a high balcony.
- SofíaDaniel, no te acerques al borde.Daniel, don't get close to the edge.
- DanielTengo vértigo y me siento mal.I have vertigo and I feel sick.
- SofíaEntra un momento a la habitación.Come inside the room for a moment.
- DanielGracias, Sofía, ahora estoy mejor.Thanks, Sofía, I feel better now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vertigo” translations and entries vértigo, mareo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
