Inklingo

How to Say "ache" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dolor

/doh-LOR//doˈloɾ/

NounA1General
Use 'dolor' for any type of pain, especially when it's a significant or continuous feeling like a headache or stomach ache.
A small, simple cartoon character, perhaps a child, clutching their forehead with both hands and frowning, illustrating a sharp headache or physical pain.

Examples

Tengo un dolor de cabeza terrible.

I have a terrible headache.

Siento un dolor agudo en la espalda.

I feel a sharp pain in my back.

El medicamento alivió el dolor muscular.

The medicine relieved the muscle pain.

Using 'Tener' for Aches and Pains

In Spanish, you often say you 'have' a pain using the verb 'tener'. For example, 'Tengo dolor de cabeza' literally means 'I have a pain of the head'.

'Me duele' vs. 'Tengo dolor'

Mistake: “'Soy dolor en la cabeza.' (This sounds like 'I am a pain in the head.')”

Correction: Use 'Tengo dolor de cabeza' (I have a headache) or 'Me duele la cabeza' (My head hurts). Both are correct and very common ways to talk about pain.

molestia

moh-LEHS-tee-ah/moˈlestja/

NounB2General
Use 'molestia' for a mild, persistent, or nagging pain or discomfort, often after physical activity or in a specific small area.
A child sitting uncomfortably on a bench, frowning and shifting due to a small object causing physical unease.

Examples

Después de correr, sentí una pequeña molestia en el tobillo.

After running, I felt a slight discomfort in my ankle.

Si la molestia persiste, debe consultar a un médico.

If the discomfort persists, you should consult a doctor.

Describing Physical Feelings

Use the verb 'sentir' (to feel) or 'tener' (to have) when talking about physical 'molestia': 'Siento una molestia' or 'Tengo una molestia'.

Dolor vs. Molestia

Learners often use 'dolor' for any slight discomfort, when 'molestia' might be more appropriate. Reserve 'dolor' for more significant or general aches, and use 'molestia' for minor, localized, or persistent annoyances.

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