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How to Say "pain" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dolor

doh-LORdoˈloɾ

nounA1general
Use 'dolor' for a physical sensation of discomfort or ache, such as a headache or a sore muscle.
A small, simple cartoon character, perhaps a child, clutching their forehead with both hands and frowning, illustrating a sharp headache or physical pain.

Examples

Tengo un dolor de cabeza terrible.

I have a terrible headache.

Siento un dolor agudo en la espalda.

I feel a sharp pain in my back.

El medicamento alivió el dolor muscular.

The medicine relieved the muscle pain.

Using 'Tener' for Aches and Pains

In Spanish, you often say you 'have' a pain using the verb 'tener'. For example, 'Tengo dolor de cabeza' literally means 'I have a pain of the head'.

'Me duele' vs. 'Tengo dolor'

Mistake: “'Soy dolor en la cabeza.' (This sounds like 'I am a pain in the head.')”

Correction: Use 'Tengo dolor de cabeza' (I have a headache) or 'Me duele la cabeza' (My head hurts). Both are correct and very common ways to talk about pain.

sufrimiento

soo-free-mee-EN-tohsu.fɾiˈmjen.to

nounB1general
Choose 'sufrimiento' when referring to deep emotional anguish or prolonged suffering, often due to loss or hardship.
A small, simple human figure crouched down, visibly struggling under the weight of a single, large, heavy, dark gray rock resting on their back.

Examples

El sufrimiento por la pérdida de su mascota fue inmenso.

The suffering over the loss of his pet was immense.

Dicen que el sufrimiento nos hace más fuertes.

They say that hardship makes us stronger.

Hay que evitar el sufrimiento innecesario en la vida.

One must avoid unnecessary suffering in life.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', which is common for masculine nouns, remember to always use the masculine articles and adjectives: el sufrimiento, mucho sufrimiento.

Sufrimiento vs. Dolor

Mistake: “Using *sufrimiento* when referring strictly to a specific physical ache (e.g., 'Tengo sufrimiento en la rodilla').”

Correction: Use *dolor* for specific physical aches ('Tengo dolor en la rodilla'). *Sufrimiento* suggests a deeper, often prolonged emotional or existential distress, though it can include physical pain.

tormento

tor-MEN-tohtoɾˈmento

nounB2informal
Use 'tormento' to describe someone or something that is extremely annoying or bothersome, like a 'pain' in the neck.
A small, buzzing mosquito flying around a person's ear while they try to read a book.

Examples

Ese niño es un tormento cuando tiene hambre.

That child is a real pain when he is hungry.

Mis vecinos y su música alta son un tormento diario.

My neighbors and their loud music are a daily nuisance.

Describing People

When calling a person a 'tormento,' we always use the word as it is. We don't change it to 'tormenta' just because the person is female.

Literal vs. Figurative

Mistake: “Thinking 'tormento' only means physical torture.”

Correction: In daily conversation, it's very common to use it for anything—like a slow computer or a noisy bird—that annoys you.

Physical vs. Emotional Pain

The most common mistake is using 'dolor' for emotional distress. Remember, 'dolor' is primarily for physical pain, while 'sufrimiento' denotes emotional anguish. 'Tormento' is used for annoyance, not actual pain.

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