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How to Say "numb" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dormido

dor-MEE-dohdoɾˈmiðo

adjectiveA1
Use 'dormido' when a limb has 'fallen asleep' due to temporary lack of blood flow, causing a tingling or numb sensation.
A young child is sleeping soundly in a cozy bed, covered by a blanket and hugging a teddy bear.

Examples

Se me durmió el pie después de estar sentado mucho tiempo.

My foot fell asleep after sitting for a long time.

Mi hermano pequeño está dormido en el sofá.

My little brother is asleep on the sofa.

¡No me hables, tengo la mano dormida!

Don't talk to me, my hand is numb (asleep)!

El volcán Popocatépetl se considera un volcán dormido.

The Popocatépetl volcano is considered a dormant volcano.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'dormido' must match the person or thing it describes: 'dormida' (feminine singular), 'dormidos' (masculine plural), 'dormidas' (feminine plural).

Using ESTAR

When talking about someone being asleep right now, use the verb 'estar' (to be in a temporary state), not 'ser' (to be permanent). Example: 'Él está dormido.'

Using SER instead of ESTAR

Mistake: “El niño es dormido.”

Correction: El niño está dormido. You must use 'estar' because being asleep is a temporary state or condition, not a permanent characteristic.

muerto

MWER-tohˈmweɾto

adjectiveA2
Use 'muerto' to describe a body part that has completely lost feeling, often implying a more severe or prolonged lack of sensation.
A single wilted brown flower lying on the ground, representing the state of being lifeless.

Examples

Después de la picadura, el dedo se quedó muerto.

After the sting, the finger became numb.

Cuando llegué, la planta ya estaba muerta.

When I arrived, the plant was already dead.

Estoy muerto de cansancio, necesito dormir.

I'm dead tired, I need to sleep.

Se me quedó el brazo muerto después de dormir sobre él.

My arm went numb after sleeping on it.

Always Use 'Estar', Not 'Ser'

To describe the state of being dead, always use the verb 'estar'. Think of it as a condition or state someone is in. 'Estar muerto' means 'to be dead'.

Matches Gender and Number

Like most adjectives, 'muerto' changes to match the person or thing it describes: 'el perro muerto' (the dead dog), 'la planta muerta' (the dead plant), 'los árboles muertos' (the dead trees).

Using 'Ser' for 'To Be Dead'

Mistake: “El pez es muerto.”

Correction: El pez está muerto. Use 'estar' to talk about the state or condition of being dead. Using 'ser' (as in 'fue muerto') means 'was killed', which describes the action of killing, not the state of being dead.

insensible

een-sen-SEE-blehin.senˈsi.βle

adjectiveB2
Employ 'insensible' when referring to a lack of physical sensation due to external factors like extreme cold or injury, affecting the ability to feel.
A hand touching a block of ice with a soft glow to show lack of sensation.

Examples

Tengo la nariz insensible por el viento helado.

My nose is numb from the icy wind.

Tengo los dedos insensibles por el frío.

My fingers are numb from the cold.

Después del golpe, se quedó insensible durante unos minutos.

After the hit, he remained unconscious for a few minutes.

La zona está insensible debido a la anestesia.

The area is numb due to the anesthesia.

Describing Body Parts

When talking about body parts that have lost feeling, we usually use the verb 'quedar' (to remain/be left) or 'estar' (to be).

Numb vs. Sleepy

Mistake: “Saying 'mi brazo está dormido' to sound medical.”

Correction: 'Dormido' is very common for a limb falling asleep, but 'insensible' is the proper term for a total lack of sensation.

Choosing Between 'dormido' and 'muerto'

Learners often confuse 'dormido' and 'muerto'. Remember that 'dormido' is for the common 'pins and needles' feeling when a limb falls asleep, while 'muerto' implies a more complete loss of sensation, often more concerning.

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