Meaning
Used to express having a headache.
Cultural Background
In Spain, it is very common to use 'Me duele la cabeza' to explain why you are leaving a social gathering early. In Mexico, people might add 'mucho' or 'bastante' to emphasize the pain, as being expressive is common. Argentines often use the word 'bombo' (drum) to describe a pounding headache.
Body Parts Rule
Always use the definite article (el/la) with body parts. Never use 'mi' or 'tu'.
Verb Agreement
The verb 'doler' agrees with the body part. If you have two sore eyes, say 'Me duelen los ojos'.
Meaning
Used to express having a headache.
Body Parts Rule
Always use the definite article (el/la) with body parts. Never use 'mi' or 'tu'.
Verb Agreement
The verb 'doler' agrees with the body part. If you have two sore eyes, say 'Me duelen los ojos'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
____ duele la cabeza.
The indirect object 'Me' is needed for the verb 'doler'.
Which is correct?
Choose the most natural way to say 'My head hurts'.
This is the standard, most natural structure in Spanish.
Match the body part to the verb form.
Match: Cabeza / Pies
Duele is for singular, duelen is for plural.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Estás bien? B: No, ____.
This is the correct response to a health check.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ duele la cabeza.
The indirect object 'Me' is needed for the verb 'doler'.
Choose the most natural way to say 'My head hurts'.
This is the standard, most natural structure in Spanish.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Duele is for singular, duelen is for plural.
A: ¿Estás bien? B: No, ____.
This is the correct response to a health check.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is grammatically understandable but sounds like a translation from English. Use 'Me duele la cabeza'.
Because 'cabeza' is singular. If you had two heads (which you don't!), you would use 'duelen'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and doctors.
Yes! 'Me duele el pie', 'Me duele la espalda', 'Me duelen los dientes'.
You can say 'Tengo migraña'.
Usually yes, but it can be used metaphorically for stress.
You can say 'A mí me duele la cabeza' for emphasis, but it's not required.
It's an indirect object pronoun indicating who is affected by the pain.
Related Phrases
Tener dolor de cabeza
synonymTo have a headache
Dar dolor de cabeza
builds onTo cause a headache
Me duele el alma
similarMy soul hurts
