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How to Say "hiccup" in Spanish

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contratiempo

/kon-tra-tyem-po//kontɾaˈtjempo/

nounB1
Use 'contratiempo' for a minor, figurative problem or delay that disrupts a plan or schedule, often implying a temporary obstacle.
A child looking at a flat tire on a bicycle during a sunny day.

Examples

Lamento la demora, tuve un pequeño contratiempo con el tráfico.

I'm sorry for the delay, I had a small setback with traffic.

El proyecto terminó a tiempo a pesar de los contratiempos.

The project finished on time despite the setbacks.

Si surge cualquier contratiempo, avísame de inmediato.

If any mishap arises, let me know immediately.

Always Masculine

This word is always masculine, so you should always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even if it refers to a situation.

Plural Form

To talk about multiple problems, just add an 's' to the end: 'los contratiempos'.

Don't confuse with bad weather

Mistake: “Hace un contratiempo hoy.”

Correction: Hace mal tiempo hoy. While 'contratiempo' contains the word for time/weather (tiempo), it only means a 'setback' or 'problem' in a plan.

imprevisto

/eem-pre-VEES-toh//im.pɾe.ˈβis.to/

nounB1informal
Use 'imprevisto' for a more general, unexpected event or complication that arises suddenly and prevents you from doing something.
A sudden rain cloud appearing over a person having a picnic in a sunny park.

Examples

No puedo ir a la fiesta porque me surgió un imprevisto de última hora.

I can't go to the party because an unexpected thing came up at the last minute.

Siempre es bueno tener ahorros para cualquier imprevisto.

It's always good to have savings for any unexpected expense.

La reunión se retrasó por un imprevisto técnico.

The meeting was delayed due to a technical glitch.

Using 'Surgir' with Imprevisto

We almost always use the verb 'surgir' (to arise/come up) when an 'imprevisto' happens. Think of it like a problem 'popping up' out of nowhere.

Don't use it for people

Mistake: “Ese hombre es muy imprevisto.”

Correction: Ese hombre es muy impredecible. Use 'impredecible' for people who act in ways you can't predict. 'Imprevisto' is for situations, not personalities.

Contratiempo vs. Imprevisto

Learners often confuse 'contratiempo' and 'imprevisto' because both refer to unexpected problems. Remember that 'contratiempo' usually implies a disruption to a plan or schedule, while 'imprevisto' is a more general unexpected event that might prevent an action entirely.

Related Translations

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