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nostalgia

noh-STAHL-hee-ah/nosˈtal.xja/

“nostalgia” means “nostalgia” in Spanish (a sentimental longing for the past).

nostalgia

Also: homesickness
NounfB1
An elderly person sitting in a cozy room, holding a small, worn-out wooden toy horse with a gentle, thoughtful smile.

📝 In Action

Siento mucha nostalgia por mi país.

A2

I feel a lot of nostalgia for my country.

Esta canción me da mucha nostalgia.

B1

This song makes me feel very nostalgic.

Recordamos los veranos de la infancia con nostalgia.

B2

We remember childhood summers with nostalgia.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • añoranza (longing)
  • melancolía (melancholy)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • sentir nostalgia – to feel nostalgia
  • dar nostalgia – to make someone feel nostalgic
  • nostalgia del pasado – longing for the past

Idioms & Expressions

  • bañarse en nostalgia – To fully immerse oneself in old memories or feelings from the past.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "nostalgia" in Spanish:

homesickness→nostalgia→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: nostalgia

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'This song makes me feel nostalgic' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
nostálgico(nostalgic) — Adjective
nostálgicamente(nostalgically) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From Greek 'nostos' (return home) and 'algos' (pain). It was originally coined as a medical term to describe the physical pain of missing home.

First recorded: 18th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: nostalgiaFrench: nostalgie

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'nostalgia' to talk about missing a person?

Yes, although 'echar de menos' or 'extrañar' are more common for people, 'sentir nostalgia por alguien' is perfectly correct and very poetic.

What is the difference between 'nostalgia' and 'melancolía'?

Nostalgia is specifically about the past or home, while 'melancolía' is a more general sadness or gloominess that doesn't always have a specific cause.

Is it a 'heavy' word to use in conversation?

Not at all. It is very common in everyday conversation when looking at old photos or talking about your hometown.