Inklingo

How to Say "cramp" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tirón

/tee-ROHN//tiˈɾon/

nounB1general
Use this word for a sudden, sharp pain or strain in a muscle, often experienced during physical activity.
An athlete sitting on the grass holding their calf in pain.

Examples

Me dio un tirón en la pantorrilla mientras corría.

I got a muscle strain in my calf while running.

Tengo un tirón en la espalda por cargar cajas pesadas.

I have a pulled muscle in my back from carrying heavy boxes.

Calienta bien antes de jugar para evitar tirones.

Warm up well before playing to avoid muscle strains.

Verbs for Injuries

In Spanish, we say 'me dio un tirón' (it gave me a pull) to mean 'I pulled a muscle.' The injury is described as something that happens to you.

Pulling a muscle vs pulling a rope

Mistake: “Tiré mi músculo.”

Correction: Me dio un tirón.

rampa

/RAHM-pah//ˈrampa/

nounB2general
This term specifically refers to a painful, involuntary tightening of a muscle, commonly known as a 'charley horse' or 'stitch' in English.
A person in athletic clothing sitting on the ground and holding their calf muscle with a pained expression.

Examples

Me dio una rampa en el gemelo mientras corría.

I got a cramp in my calf while I was running.

Si no estiras bien, te darán rampas.

If you don't stretch well, you will get cramps.

Tengo una rampa muy dolorosa en el pie.

I have a very painful cramp in my foot.

Verb pairings for cramps

To say you 'have' a cramp, Spanish speakers usually use the verb 'dar' (to give). You say 'the cramp gave to me' (Me dio una rampa).

Confusing with 'calambre'

Mistake: “Using 'rampa' for an electric shock.”

Correction: Only use 'rampa' for muscle pain. For electric shocks, always use 'calambre'.

contracción

/kon-trak-SYON//kontɾakˈθjon/

nounB1medical
Use this word to describe the tightening of muscles, most commonly in the context of labor pains during childbirth.
A close-up of a strong arm with a flexed bicep muscle.

Examples

Las contracciones de parto empezaron a las ocho.

The labor contractions started at eight.

Siento una contracción fuerte en el gemelo.

I feel a strong contraction (cramp) in my calf.

El corazón late gracias a una contracción rítmica.

The heart beats thanks to a rhythmic contraction.

Describing Pain

When talking about labor or muscle issues, we use 'tener' (to have) followed by 'contracciones'.

Confusing with 'calambre'

Mistake: “Tengo una contracción por el frío.”

Correction: Tengo un calambre por el frío. Use 'calambre' for a sudden painful shock, and 'contracción' for a physical tightening.

sargento

/sar-HEN-toh//saɾˈxento/

nounC1technical
This word refers to a mechanical tool used to hold objects together, especially in woodworking or construction; it is the English 'clamp'.
A sturdy, metallic F-clamp (or bar clamp) with a red handle, actively holding two planks of wood tightly together.

Examples

Usa un sargento para mantener las dos piezas de madera juntas mientras seca el pegamento.

Use a clamp to hold the two pieces of wood together while the glue dries.

Necesito un sargento más grande para este proyecto de carpintería.

I need a bigger clamp for this carpentry project.

Muscle Pain vs. Tool

The most common confusion is between words for muscle pain ('tirón', 'rampa', 'contracción') and the tool 'sargento'. Remember, 'sargento' is never used for muscle pain; it always refers to a clamp.

Related Translations

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