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How to Say "aching" in Spanish

English → Spanish

doloroso

doh-loh-ROH-sohdo.loˈɾo.so

adjectiveA2general
Use this when describing a persistent, ongoing pain that is intense or bothersome.
A small child sitting down and holding their knee, which has a small scrape and is causing them discomfort.

Examples

La herida en mi rodilla es muy dolorosa.

The wound on my knee is very painful.

Necesitas una operación, pero no será dolorosa.

You need an operation, but it won't be painful.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'doloroso' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: use -a for feminine words (una operación dolorosa) and -os/-as for plural words (los recuerdos dolorosos).

molido

mo-LEE-dohmoˈliðo

adjectiveB1informal
This is used to describe a feeling of being sore all over, typically after intense physical exertion.
A tired hiker sitting on a rock with their head resting in their hands and a backpack on the ground.

Examples

Después de correr el maratón, terminé molido.

After running the marathon, I ended up exhausted/sore all over.

Estoy molida de tanto trabajar en el jardín.

I'm worn out from working so much in the garden.

Me siento molido; creo que me voy a dormir temprano.

I feel beat; I think I'm going to sleep early.

Using 'Estar' for States

Since being exhausted is a temporary state or feeling, always use 'estar' (to be) with 'molido'.

Wrong Verb 'To Be'

Mistake: “Soy molido.”

Correction: Estoy molido. Use 'estar' because tiredness is a condition, not a permanent personality trait.

resentido

reh-sen-TEE-dohresenˈtiðo

adjectiveB2general
Choose this when a specific body part is still sensitive or slightly painful after a past injury or exertion.
A person gently holding their bandaged elbow with a wincing expression of slight pain.

Examples

Tengo la rodilla resentida después del partido de ayer.

My knee is aching/sensitive after yesterday's game.

La economía del país quedó resentida tras la crisis.

The country's economy was left weakened after the crisis.

Aún tengo la espalda un poco resentida.

My back is still a bit tender/sensitive.

Matching the gender

Remember that if you are talking about 'la rodilla' (the knee), the word changes to 'resentida'. If you talk about 'el tobillo' (the ankle), it stays 'resentido'.

Choosing between general pain and lingering sensitivity

Learners often confuse 'doloroso' with 'resentido'. Remember that 'doloroso' describes a current, often intense pain, while 'resentido' refers to a body part that remains sensitive or slightly achy due to a previous injury or effort.

Related Translations

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