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resaca

reh-SAH-kah/reˈsaka/

hangover

Also: after-effects
NounfA2
MexicoColombiaChile
A person sitting on a bed looking tired and holding an ice pack to their head.

📝 In Action

Tengo una resaca terrible porque anoche bebí mucho vino.

A2

I have a terrible hangover because I drank a lot of wine last night.

Beber agua ayuda a evitar la resaca.

A2

Drinking water helps to avoid a hangover.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cruda (hangover (specifically in Mexico))
  • guayabo (hangover (specifically in Colombia))

Antonyms

  • sobriedad (sobriety)

Common Collocations

  • tener resaca – to have a hangover
  • curar la resaca – to cure a hangover

Idioms & Expressions

  • resaca emocional – feeling drained or overwhelmed after a big emotional event

undertow

Also: backwash
NounfB2
Foamy ocean water receding back from a sandy beach into the sea.

📝 In Action

La resaca del mar era tan fuerte que era peligroso nadar.

B2

The sea's undertow was so strong that it was dangerous to swim.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • corriente de retorno (rip current)

Common Collocations

  • la resaca de las olas – the backwash of the waves

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "resaca" in Spanish:

after-effects→backwash→hangover→undertow→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: resaca

Question 1 of 2

If you go to a party in Spain and drink too much, what will you likely have the next morning?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the prefix 're-' (meaning back or again) and the verb 'sacar' (to take out). It originally referred to the sea pulling water back from the shore.

First recorded: 17th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: ressaca

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'resaca' slang?

No, it is the standard, neutral word for a hangover in Spanish. However, many countries have their own slang versions like 'cruda' or 'guayabo'.

Can I use 'resaca' for things other than alcohol?

Yes! You can use 'resaca emocional' to describe the tired feeling you have after a very stressful or emotional day.