Inklingo

How to Say "sunburned" in Spanish

English → Spanish

quemado

/keh-MAH-doh//keˈmaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'quemado' to describe skin that *is* sunburned, meaning it has been affected by too much sun.
A single slice of toast that is completely blackened and charred due to excessive heat, illustrating physical damage.

Examples

Mi piel está muy roja y adolorida, creo que estoy quemado.

My skin is very red and sore, I think I'm sunburned.

El cable estaba quemado y tuvimos que reemplazarlo.

The cable was burnt and we had to replace it.

Ten cuidado, el arroz está un poco quemado por debajo.

Be careful, the rice is a little burnt underneath.

Masculine Form

Remember that 'quemado' must match the gender and number of the noun it describes: 'quemada' (feminine singular), 'quemados' (masculine plural), 'quemadas' (feminine plural).

quemó

verbB1general
Use 'quemó' (the preterite form of 'quemar') to indicate that the sun *caused* the sunburn, focusing on the action.

Examples

El sol me quemó la espalda ayer mientras estaba en la playa.

The sun burned my back yesterday while I was on the beach.

Adjective vs. Verb Confusion

Learners often confuse 'quemado' (adjective) with 'quemó' (verb). Remember, 'quemado' describes the *result* (your skin *is* sunburned), while 'quemó' describes the *action* (the sun *burned* you).

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.