Inklingo

How to Say "nausea" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “nausea” is “náusea” — use this for the direct physical urge or sensation of feeling like you are going to vomit, often due to illness or a strong stimulus like motion sickness.

English → Spanish

náusea

nounA2general
Use this for the direct physical urge or sensation of feeling like you are going to vomit, often due to illness or a strong stimulus like motion sickness.

Examples

Tengo muchas náuseas por el viaje en barco.

I feel very nauseous because of the boat trip.

mareo

mah-REH-ohmaˈɾeo

nounA2general
This term specifically refers to dizziness or lightheadedness that often *accompanies* the feeling of nausea, especially when caused by motion (motion sickness) or imbalance.
A character sitting on a bench with swirling spiral lines above their head to indicate feeling dizzy.

Examples

Tengo un poco de mareo por el viaje en autobús.

I feel a bit of motion sickness from the bus trip.

Si te levantas muy rápido, puedes sentir mareo.

If you stand up too fast, you might feel dizzy.

Las pastillas son muy efectivas contra el mareo.

The pills are very effective against nausea.

Using 'Tener' and 'Sentir'

Unlike English where you 'are' dizzy (adjective), in Spanish you usually 'have' (tener) or 'feel' (sentir) 'mareo' (noun).

Plural vs. Singular

You can use the plural 'mareos' to talk about recurring spells of dizziness, but the singular 'mareo' is more common for a specific moment.

Don't use 'estar'

Mistake: “Estoy mareo.”

Correction: Tengo mareo OR Estoy mareado.

asco

ahs-kohˈasko

nounA2general
Use this when the feeling of sickness is directly caused by something repulsive or disgusting, emphasizing the disgust itself as the trigger for feeling sick.
A simple drawing of a face showing an expression of extreme revulsion and disgust.

Examples

El olor a pescado podrido me dio mucho asco.

The smell of rotten fish gave me a lot of disgust (made me feel sick).

¡Qué asco! No puedo creer que comiste eso.

How disgusting! I can't believe you ate that.

Siento asco por la crueldad animal.

I feel loathing (disgust) for animal cruelty.

Expressing Disgust (The 'Dar' Trick)

To say 'I am disgusted by X,' Spanish usually uses the verb 'dar' (to give) with the structure of 'Me da asco X' (X gives me disgust). It works just like 'gustar' (to like).

Using 'Estar' Incorrectly

Mistake: “Estoy asco.”

Correction: Me da asco. 'Asco' is a noun, not an adjective. You wouldn't say 'I am disgust.' Use 'Me da asco' (It gives me disgust) or 'Siento asco' (I feel disgust).

fatiga

fah-TEE-gahfaˈtiɣa

nounB1general (Spain)
Primarily used in Spain to describe a general feeling of weariness or exhaustion that can include or lead to the urge to vomit, but often implies breathlessness.
A person leaning forward with hands on their knees, catching their breath after a run.

Examples

Siento fatiga cuando subo las escaleras.

I feel short of breath when I go up the stairs.

Ese olor tan fuerte me da fatiga.

That strong smell makes me feel nauseous.

Regional Differences

In many parts of Spain, the phrase 'dar fatiga' specifically means that something makes you feel sick to your stomach.

Misunderstanding 'Tener fatiga'

Mistake: “Thinking 'tengo fatiga' only means 'I am tired' when at a doctor's office.”

Correction: A doctor might be asking if you are struggling to breathe. Context is key!

Náusea vs. Mareo

The most common confusion is between 'náusea' (the urge to vomit) and 'mareo' (dizziness, often with motion sickness). While 'mareo' can include nausea, it focuses more on the dizzy sensation, whereas 'náusea' is the direct feeling of wanting to throw up.

Related Translations

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