Inklingo

How to Say "to ache" in Spanish

English → Spanish

doler

doh-LEHR/doˈleɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'doler' when referring to a continuous, persistent pain in a body part, like a dull throb or a constant discomfort.
A storybook illustration of a young child sitting on the ground, clutching their knee and looking slightly distressed, indicating physical pain.

Examples

¿Te duele la espalda después de trabajar?

Does your back ache after working?

Me duelen mucho los pies por los zapatos nuevos.

My feet hurt a lot because of the new shoes.

Al dentista le dolió la cabeza todo el día.

The dentist had a headache all day (literally: The head hurt the dentist all day).

Using Doler (The 'Gustar' Structure)

Unlike English ('I hurt my leg'), Spanish phrases the sentence backward: the object (the leg) is the subject, and the person feeling the pain is the indirect object. You must use 'me, te, le, nos, os, les' first.

Singular vs. Plural

The verb 'doler' must agree with the body part that is hurting. If you have one aching body part (la cabeza), use 'duele'. If you have multiple (los pies), use 'duelen'.

Forgetting the Indirect Pronoun

Mistake: “La cabeza duele (The head hurts).”

Correction: Me duele la cabeza (My head hurts me). You must include the 'me, te, le, etc.' to say who is feeling the pain.

Using the 'Yo' form incorrectly

Mistake: “Yo duelo la pierna.”

Correction: Me duele la pierna. The 'yo' form (duelo) is almost never used naturally in this context, as you are usually describing the body part's action (duele/duelen) on you (me).

molestar

/moh-lehs-tahr//molesˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'molestar' when a body part causes discomfort or irritation, often implying a less intense or more temporary ache, or a feeling of being bothered by it.
A storybook illustration of a young child sitting and gently holding their toe with a slightly pained expression, illustrating mild physical discomfort after stubbing it.

Examples

¿Te molesta la espalda después de hacer ejercicio?

Does your back ache after exercising?

La etiqueta de la camisa me molesta mucho.

The shirt tag bothers/irritates me a lot.

El doctor preguntó si algo le molestaba al caminar.

The doctor asked if anything troubled him when walking.

Using 'Molestar' vs. 'Doler'

'Molestar' is usually for minor, temporary, or irritating discomfort (like a scratchy throat or a tight shoe). 'Doler' is used for actual, usually sharper pain (like a broken bone or a headache).

Doler vs. Molestar for Aches

Learners often confuse 'doler' and 'molestar' for aches. Remember that 'doler' implies a more continuous, deeper pain, while 'molestar' suggests an irritation or discomfort that might be less constant or severe.

Related Translations

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