I have a headache
in SpanishMe duele la cabeza
/meh DWEH-leh lah kah-BEH-sah/
The most natural and common way to express head pain. It literally translates to 'The head hurts me' rather than 'I have a headache.'
The universal gesture for 'me duele la cabeza' (I have a headache).
💬Other Ways to Say It
Tengo dolor de cabeza
/TEHN-goh doh-LOR deh kah-BEH-sah/
A direct translation of 'I have a headache.' It describes the condition rather than the immediate sensation of pain.
Tengo jaqueca
/TEHN-goh hah-KEH-kah/
Used specifically for a strong, splitting headache or migraine.
Me está matando la cabeza
/meh ehs-TAH mah-TAHN-doh lah kah-BEH-sah/
A dramatic, hyperbolic way to say 'My head is killing me.'
Traigo dolor de cabeza
/TRY-goh doh-LOR deh kah-BEH-sah/
Uses the verb 'traer' (to carry/bring) instead of 'tener'. Very common in Mexico.
Me va a estallar la cabeza
/meh bah ah ehs-tah-YAR lah kah-BEH-sah/
Means 'My head is going to explode.'
Estoy con dolor de cabeza
/ehs-TOY kohn doh-LOR deh kah-BEH-sah/
Translates to 'I am with headache.' Focuses on your current state.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here is a quick guide to choosing the right phrase based on how bad you feel.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Me duele la cabeza | Neutral | Everyday use, standard pain | N/A (Works everywhere) |
| Tengo jaqueca | Neutral | Severe migraines, splitting pain | It's just a mild annoyance |
| Me explota la cabeza | Informal | Venting to friends about stress/noise | Speaking to a doctor or boss |
📈Difficulty Level
Very phonetic. The only challenge is linking the words smoothly.
The 'backwards' structure (verb before subject) can be tricky for beginners used to English syntax.
Straightforward medical complaint with few hidden meanings.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering to say 'la cabeza' not 'mi cabeza'
- Using 'me duele' instead of 'yo duelo'
💡Examples in Action
No puedo ir a la fiesta, me duele mucho la cabeza.
I can't go to the party, I have a really bad headache.
¿Tienes alguna pastilla? Tengo un dolor de cabeza horrible.
Do you have any pills? I have a horrible headache.
Por favor, bajen la voz, que tengo jaqueca.
Please, lower your voices, I have a splitting headache.
Hoy no rindo en el trabajo, me está matando la cabeza.
I'm not productive at work today, my head is killing me.
🌍Cultural Context
The 'It Hurts Me' Structure
In English, we possess our pain ('I have a headache'). In Spanish, pain is something that happens to us. We say 'Me duele la cabeza' (The head hurts me). This reflects a subtle cultural difference where the ailment is viewed as an external force acting upon the person, rather than a personal possession.
Grandma's Remedies (Remedios de la Abuela)
If you mention a headache in a traditional Hispanic household, don't be surprised if you're offered 'Vick VapoRub' to put on your temples, or a specific herbal tea (té de manzanilla) before medicine. Home remedies are often the first line of defense and are offered as a sign of caring.
Directness with Health
It is socially acceptable in Spanish-speaking cultures to be quite direct about physical ailments. Saying 'me duele la cabeza' isn't seen as complaining or 'oversharing' as much as it might be in some reserved English-speaking cultures; it's simply stating a fact.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Saying 'Mi cabeza duele'
Mistake: "Literally translating 'My head hurts' as 'Mi cabeza duele'."
Correction: Me duele la cabeza
Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar/Tener'
Mistake: "Saying 'Soy con dolor de cabeza'."
Correction: Tengo dolor de cabeza
Using 'doloroso'
Mistake: "Saying 'Mi cabeza es dolorosa' (My head is painful)."
Correction: Me duele la cabeza
💡Pro Tips
Intensity Levels
To express intensity, add 'mucho' after the verb: 'Me duele mucho la cabeza' (My head hurts a lot). Avoid putting 'mucho' at the end of the sentence; keep it close to the verb 'duele'.
The Universal Gesture
If you forget the phrase, rubbing your temples with your fingers while grimacing is a universally understood gesture in Spanish-speaking countries. You can simply say 'Ay, mi cabeza' (Oh, my head) while doing this.
Asking for Medicine
If you have a headache and need help, the most useful follow-up phrase is '¿Tienes algo para el dolor?' (Do you have something for the pain?). It's polite and clearly implies you need medication.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
In Spain, the distinction between 'ce/ci/z' (th sound) and 's' is very important for proper pronunciation.
Mexico
Mexicans frequently use the verb 'traer' (to carry) for temporary physical states or illnesses.
Caribbean (Puerto Rico, DR, Cuba)
Expressions can be more hyperbolic/dramatic. 'Me está partiendo' (It's splitting me) is common.
💬What Comes Next?
Someone hears you have a headache
¿Quieres una pastilla?
Do you want a pill?
Sí, por favor. ¿Tienes aspirina?
Yes, please. Do you have aspirin?
Expressing sympathy
Pobrecito/a, descansa un poco.
Poor thing, rest a little.
Gracias, voy a acostarme un rato.
Thanks, I'm going to lie down for a while.
🧠Memory Tricks
Think of the pain 'dwelling' in your head. 'Me DUELE' sounds a bit like 'dwell'. The pain dwells in me.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest shift is the 'Reverse Construction.' In English, YOU are the subject (I have pain). In Spanish, the BODY PART is the subject (The head hurts me). This requires you to stop thinking 'I hurt' and start thinking 'It hurts me.'
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: Translating this word-for-word to 'Mi cabeza duele' sounds robotic and unnatural to native speakers.
Use instead: Me duele la cabeza
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say my stomach hurts
It uses the exact same grammar structure: 'Me duele el estómago'.
How to say I feel sick
A broader phrase ('Me siento mal') useful for general illness.
How to make a doctor's appointment
Practical next step if the headache doesn't go away.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: I have a headache
Question 1 of 3
You are at a pharmacy and want to tell the pharmacist your head hurts. What is the most natural phrase?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I say 'Mi cabeza duele'?
Technically, the words exist, but it sounds very unnatural to a native speaker—like Yoda speaking English. The correct structure is always 'Me duele la cabeza' (The head hurts me).
What is the difference between 'dolor de cabeza' and 'migraña'?
'Dolor de cabeza' is the general term for any headache. 'Migraña' is the medical term for a migraine. 'Jaqueca' is also commonly used for severe, splitting headaches.
How do I say 'I have a slight headache'?
You can say 'Me duele un poco la cabeza' (My head hurts a little) or 'Tengo un ligero dolor de cabeza' (I have a slight headache).
Why do Spanish speakers say 'LA cabeza' instead of 'MI cabeza'?
Since the sentence includes 'me' (to me), it is already obvious whose head is hurting. Spanish grammar avoids being redundant, so using the possessive 'mi' is considered unnecessary and repetitive.
📚Continue Learning Spanish Phrases
Explore More Phrases in These Categories
Find similar phrases to expand your Spanish vocabulary:
Want to Learn More Spanish Phrases?
Browse our complete collection of Spanish phrases organized by situation, from basic greetings to advanced conversations. Perfect for travelers, students, and anyone learning Spanish.
View All Spanish Phrases →