Inklingo

How to Say "vomit" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vomitar

/boh-mee-tar//bo.miˈtaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'vomitar' when you want to express the act of throwing up, as it's the standard and most frequently used term across all Spanish-speaking regions.
A simple illustration of a small, green creature leaning over a wooden bucket, clearly throwing up a stream of yellow liquid.

Examples

El niño empezó a vomitar después de comer demasiados dulces.

The child started to vomit after eating too many sweets.

Si te sientes mareado, es mejor salir al aire libre para no vomitar.

If you feel dizzy, it's better to go outside so you don't throw up.

Ella vomitó toda la cena, creo que la comida estaba mala.

She threw up the whole dinner; I think the food was bad.

Regular -AR Verb

This verb follows the standard, predictable pattern for all verbs ending in -ar. Once you know the pattern for 'hablar' or 'cantar', you know 'vomitar'.

Confusing Transitive/Intransitive Use

Mistake: “Using 'vomitar' without mentioning what was thrown up, when the context requires it. (e.g., *Vomité* la comida china.)”

Correction: It can be used alone ('El perro vomitó'), but often you specify what was ejected ('Vomitó la pastilla').

devuelva

deh-BWEHL-bah/deˈβwelβa/

verbB1regional (Spain)
Avoid using 'devuelva' for 'vomit'; this word primarily means 'to return' something and is only a very uncommon, regional slang term for vomiting, mostly heard in Spain.
A friendly person handing a red book back to another person who is reaching out to receive it.

Examples

Espero que él me devuelva el libro mañana.

I hope he returns the book to me tomorrow.

Por favor, devuelva este producto en la caja central.

Please, return (formal 'you') this product at the main counter.

Dudo que la tienda me devuelva el dinero.

I doubt the store will give me my money back.

The 'Switch' Word

Notice the 'e' changes to 'ue'. This happens in many Spanish verbs when the stress falls on the stem. It's a common pattern to look out for!

Wishes and Orders

This specific form (devuelva) is used when you are telling someone formally to do something, or when you are expressing a wish that someone else does the action.

Returning People vs. Objects

Mistake: “Using 'volver' to return a library book.”

Correction: Use 'devolver' for objects. Use 'volver' only for people returning to a place.

Confusing 'vomitar' with 'devolver'

The most common mistake is learners encountering 'devuelva' (a form of 'devolver') and mistakenly associating it with 'vomit' due to regional slang. Always use 'vomitar' for the act of throwing up, as 'devolver' means 'to return' in standard Spanish.

Related Translations

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