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constipated and Spanish constipado
In English
constipated
unable to have a bowel movement
In Spanish
constipado
resfriado
Spanish "constipado" means: to have a cold
Why they get mixed up Spanish "constipado" is a head cold, the congestion from a cold. English "constipated" means having trouble with bowel movements. Having a cold in English is "to have a cold."
If you want to say...
- constipatedestreñido
- coldresfriado o catarro
- stuffy nosenariz tapada
Examples
Eat more fiber if you're constipated.
Come más fibra si estás estreñido.
Being constipated is uncomfortable.
Estar estreñido es incómodo.
The doctor said I was constipated because I don't drink water.
El doctor dijo que estaba estreñido porque no tomo agua.
Babies often get constipated when they start solid food.
Los bebés suelen estreñirse cuando empiezan a comer sólidos.
Common mistakes in Spanish
Incorrect: Estoy estreñido, me duele la garganta y tengo fiebre.
Correct: Estoy constipado, me duele la garganta y tengo fiebre.
In Spain, constipado means having a cold. Estreñido is constipated.
Incorrect: Tomé mucha fibra porque estaba constipado.
Correct: Tomé mucha fibra porque estaba estreñido.
Use estreñido for constipated. Constipado is a cold in many places.
Phrases you will hear
- feel constipatedsentirse estreñido
- constipationestreñimiento
- eat more fibercomer más fibra
- have a coldtener un resfriado
- a stuffy nosenariz tapada
- drink more waterbeber más agua
In a conversation
- A:
I feel constipated. What should I do?
Estoy estreñido. ¿Qué debo hacer?
- B:
Eat more fiber and drink more water.
Come más fibra y bebe más agua.
- A:
And for a cold?
¿Y para un resfriado?
- B:
For a cold, rest and warm tea.
Para un resfriado, descanso y té caliente.
Test yourself
You have the flu and a stuffy nose. What do you say?
To remember it
Constipated = trouble with bowel movements. Having a cold (Spanish "constipado") = "a cold" or "stuffy."
Frequently asked questions
What does Spanish "constipado" mean?
Spanish "constipado" means "to have a cold". It looks like the English "constipated", which is exactly why it gets confused, but "constipated" means "unable to have a bowel movement".
Does English "constipated" mean the same as Spanish "constipado"?
Spanish "constipado" is a head cold, the congestion from a cold. English "constipated" means having trouble with bowel movements. Having a cold in English is "to have a cold."