Inklingo

How to Say "diarrhea" in Spanish

English → Spanish

diarrea

/dee-ah-RREH-ah//djaˈrea/

nounA2medical
Use 'diarrea' when referring to the specific medical condition of diarrhea, indicating a more severe or prolonged issue.
A small bear character holding its stomach with a worried expression, walking quickly toward a bathroom door in a cozy home.

Examples

Tengo una diarrea terrible desde ayer.

I've had terrible diarrhea since yesterday.

El médico dice que la diarrea es un síntoma de una infección.

The doctor says that diarrhea is a symptom of an infection.

Si la diarrea persiste por más de tres días, debes ir al hospital.

If the diarrhea lasts for more than three days, you should go to the hospital.

Gender Rule

Since this word ends in '-a', it is a feminine naming word. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la diarrea').

Using it with Verbs

Just like in English, we use the word for 'to have' (tener) to say someone is sick with this condition.

The One-R Trap

Mistake: “diarea”

Correction: diarrea. In Spanish, when an 'r' sound is strong and vibrates between two vowels, you must use two 'r's.

descomposición

nounB1medical
Use 'descomposición' for a milder, general stomach upset or feeling unwell, which might include but is not limited to diarrhea.

Examples

Tengo un poco de descomposición hoy.

I have a bit of a stomach upset today.

Diarrhea vs. Stomach Upset

Learners often confuse 'diarrea' and 'descomposición' by using the more general term for a specific medical condition. Remember that 'diarrea' is the direct translation for the symptom itself, while 'descomposición' is a broader term for feeling sick to your stomach.

Related Translations

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