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B1 noun #4,500 most common 11 min read

náuseas

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips náuseas in 30 Seconds

Explanation náuseas in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic way to express that you feel sick. The word 'náuseas' is a bit advanced for absolute beginners, but it's very useful for travel. You should learn the phrase 'Tengo náuseas' (I have nausea). Imagine you are on a bus or a plane and you feel unwell; this is the phrase you would use to tell the person next to you or a flight attendant. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'náuseas' is a feminine plural word, so if you want to say you have 'a lot' of it, you say 'muchas náuseas.' At this level, you might also use 'mal de estómago' (stomach ache) as a simpler alternative, but 'náuseas' is more specific if you feel like you might vomit. Practice saying the word slowly: NAU-se-as. The stress is on the first syllable because of the accent mark. Learning this word early will help you feel more secure when traveling in Spanish-speaking countries, as health-related vocabulary is always a priority for basic communication and safety.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'náuseas' with a few more verbs and in slightly more detailed sentences. Instead of just saying 'Tengo náuseas,' you can use 'sentir' (to feel) to describe the experience: 'Siento náuseas.' You can also start to describe what causes the feeling using the verb 'dar' (to give). For example, 'El barco me da náuseas' (The boat gives me nausea/makes me nauseous). This is a common structure in Spanish where an object 'gives' you a sensation. You should also be aware of the connection between 'náuseas' and 'mareo' (dizziness/motion sickness), as these two often go together in travel contexts. At A2, you should be able to understand a simple question from a doctor or pharmacist, such as '¿Tiene náuseas?' and respond appropriately. You can also start using basic adjectives like 'un poco' or 'muchas' to quantify the feeling. 'Tengo un poco de náuseas' is a very common and useful phrase for everyday life. Remember to always use the plural 'las náuseas' and keep the feminine gender in mind when using any related words.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'náuseas' more naturally in a variety of contexts, including medical, travel, and social situations. You should be comfortable using different tenses, such as the past tense to describe a previous illness: 'Ayer tuve náuseas todo el día' (Yesterday I had nausea all day). You should also learn common collocations like 'náuseas matutinas' (morning sickness) and 'náuseas y vómitos' (nausea and vomiting), which are frequently paired together. At this level, you can also use the word metaphorically to describe something that is morally or aesthetically disgusting: 'Esa actitud me da náuseas' (That attitude makes me sick/gives me nausea). You should also be able to understand more detailed instructions from a medical professional regarding symptoms. For example, 'Si las náuseas persisten, tome esta medicina' (If the nausea persists, take this medicine). You are moving beyond simple phrases and starting to use 'náuseas' within more complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences and subordinate clauses. This level also involves recognizing the difference between 'náuseas' and 'asco' (disgust), and using each in the correct context.

At the B2 level, your use of 'náuseas' should be quite sophisticated. You should be able to discuss health issues in detail, describing the onset, duration, and triggers of nausea using a wide range of vocabulary. You might use verbs like 'provocar,' 'causar,' or 'desencadenar' to explain what brings on the sensation: 'El fuerte olor a químicos desencadenó mis náuseas.' You should also be familiar with more technical or formal terms related to nausea, such as 'antiemético' (anti-nausea medication) or 'indisposición' (indisposition). At this level, you can use 'náuseas' effectively in written Spanish, such as in a formal letter to explain an absence or in a creative writing piece to describe a character's physical or emotional state. You should also be aware of regional variations in how nausea is described, such as the use of 'ascos' in certain Latin American countries to refer to pregnancy symptoms. Your understanding of the metaphorical use of the word should be well-developed, allowing you to use it to express deep-seated revulsion or existential angst in a way that sounds natural and nuanced. You can also handle complex grammar around the word, such as using it in the subjunctive: 'Dudo que las náuseas se pasen pronto' (I doubt the nausea will go away soon).

At the C1 level, you have a near-native command of the word 'náuseas' and its various nuances. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as medical discussions, philosophical debates, or literary analysis. You are familiar with the singular form 'la náusea' and its specific use in literature and philosophy, particularly in relation to existentialism. You can discuss the physiological mechanisms of nausea using precise terminology if necessary. Your use of collocations is extensive, and you can pick up on subtle differences in meaning between 'náuseas,' 'arcadas,' 'basca,' and 'vaguido.' You are also able to use the word in complex idiomatic expressions and understand its role in creating tone and atmosphere in a text. For example, you might analyze how an author uses the physical sensation of nausea to reflect a character's internal conflict or social alienation. In conversation, you can use the word with perfect timing and register, whether you are talking to a doctor, a close friend, or a professional colleague. You are also aware of the historical etymology of the word, connecting it to the Greek 'nausia' (ship-sickness), which enriches your understanding of its core meaning and its relationship to other 'sea-related' words in Spanish.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'náuseas' is complete. You can use the word with the same level of precision and expressive power as a highly educated native speaker. You are capable of using it in any register, from the most technical medical discourse to the most informal slang or the most elevated poetic language. You understand the full range of its metaphorical possibilities and can use it to convey complex emotional states with subtlety and impact. You are also familiar with the rarest and most regional synonyms and can navigate any dialectal variation in how the sensation is described across the Spanish-speaking world. You can write extensively about the concept of nausea in a variety of genres, from scientific articles to philosophical essays to avant-garde poetry. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but also cultural and historical, allowing you to appreciate the full weight of the term in Spanish-speaking cultures. At this level, 'náuseas' is just one tool in your vast linguistic repertoire, and you use it with effortless accuracy and creative flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

náuseas in 30 Seconds

Náuseas refers to the physical sensation of wanting to vomit, commonly associated with illness, pregnancy, or motion sickness during travel.
The word is a feminine plural noun in Spanish, almost always used as 'las náuseas' in everyday and medical contexts.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'tener' (to have), 'sentir' (to feel), and 'dar' (to give/cause), it requires feminine adjective agreement.
Beyond physical sickness, it can metaphorically express deep moral disgust or existential dread in literary or dramatic Spanish speech.

The Spanish word náuseas is a feminine plural noun that translates directly to 'nausea' or 'queasiness' in English. It describes that universally unpleasant sensation in the upper stomach that creates an involuntary urge to vomit. While the English word 'nausea' is often used in a singular, abstract sense, Spanish speakers almost exclusively use the plural form las náuseas when referring to the physical symptom. Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating healthcare, travel, or even daily social interactions in a Spanish-speaking environment, as it is the primary term used to describe a wide range of digestive and systemic discomforts.

Medical Context: In a clinical setting, a doctor might ask, '¿Siente usted náuseas?' to determine if a patient is experiencing gastric distress or side effects from medication.

El paciente informó que las náuseas comenzaron inmediatamente después de la cirugía.

Beyond the purely physical, náuseas can also be used metaphorically to express intense moral or emotional revulsion. When something is so offensive or disgusting that it makes one feel physically ill, this word captures that depth of feeling. For example, witnessing an act of extreme injustice might provoke a sense of 'náusea' in a person, highlighting the visceral connection between our gut and our ethics. This dual usage—both biological and metaphorical—makes it a powerful tool in Spanish literature and everyday expressive speech.

Travel and Motion: Commonly associated with 'mareo' (dizziness/motion sickness), náuseas are the specific feeling of stomach upset that follows a bumpy boat ride or a winding road trip.

Durante el viaje en barco, muchos pasajeros sufrieron de náuseas debido al fuerte oleaje.

It is also worth noting that the word is intrinsically linked to pregnancy. 'Las náuseas matutinas' is the standard Spanish term for morning sickness. In this context, the word is used with a sense of regularity and expectation, often discussed among friends and family when a new pregnancy is announced. The frequency of its use in this context reinforces its status as a common, albeit uncomfortable, part of the human experience.

Ella tuvo náuseas constantes durante el primer trimestre de su embarazo.

Food and Poisoning: When food is spoiled or poorly prepared, the resulting 'intoxicación alimentaria' almost always includes náuseas as a primary symptom.

Ese olor a pescado podrido me da náuseas horrorosas.

Ver tanta sangre le provocó náuseas al joven estudiante de medicina.

Mastering the use of náuseas requires understanding the specific verbs that typically accompany it. Unlike English, where you 'feel nauseated' or 'are nauseous,' Spanish focuses on the sensation as something you possess or something that is inflicted upon you. The most common verb is tener. Saying 'Tengo náuseas' is the most direct way to tell someone you feel sick. This structure treats the nausea as a temporary state or condition currently held by the subject.

Possession (Tener): Used for personal experience of the symptom. 'Tengo muchas náuseas hoy.'

Desde que me desperté, he tenido náuseas muy fuertes.

Another frequent verb is sentir (to feel). This is slightly more descriptive and focuses on the internal perception of the symptom. It is often used in medical narratives or when describing the onset of the feeling. 'Empecé a sentir náuseas después de la montaña rusa.' This emphasizes the transition from feeling fine to feeling unwell. It's a subtle distinction from 'tener,' which is more about the state itself.

Causation (Dar/Provocar): Used when an external factor causes the sensation. 'Ese olor me da náuseas.'

La combinación de calor y humedad le provocó náuseas durante la caminata.

When discussing the cessation of the symptom, verbs like quitar (to remove) are common, especially in the context of medicine. 'Esta pastilla te quitará las náuseas.' This implies that the medicine effectively 'takes away' the sensation. This 'taking away' imagery is very common in Spanish for symptoms like pain or fever as well. You might also hear aliviar (to relieve) in more formal or medical contexts.

El té de jengibre es excelente para aliviar las náuseas.

Frequency and Duration: Adverbs and adjectives help define the severity. 'Náuseas persistentes', 'náuseas leves', 'náuseas recurrentes'.

Sufre de náuseas crónicas debido a su condición gástrica.

Si las náuseas persisten por más de dos días, consulte a su médico.

You will encounter the word náuseas in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the highly clinical to the deeply personal. One of the most common places is the farmacia. If you approach a pharmacist in Spain or Latin America and say, 'Tengo náuseas,' they will immediately know you need something for an upset stomach. You might see the word printed on the packaging of over-the-counter medications like 'antieméticos' (anti-nausea drugs). Listening to the pharmacist explain the dosage often involves hearing the word several times.

In the Pharmacy: Pharmacists use it to describe the symptoms their products treat. 'Este jarabe es muy efectivo contra las náuseas.'

¿Tiene algo para las náuseas y el mareo?

In a domestic setting, náuseas frequently appears in conversations about health and wellness among family members. Mothers often ask their children, '¿Tienes náuseas?' if the child looks pale or refuses to eat. It's a standard part of the 'mom vocabulary' across the Spanish-speaking world. Similarly, among friends, if someone has had too much to drink or has eaten something questionable, the word is used with a mix of concern and sometimes lighthearted teasing, depending on the severity of the situation.

Travel and Transportation: Flight attendants and bus drivers often hear passengers complain of náuseas due to motion sickness.

Por favor, necesito una bolsa, tengo muchas náuseas.

The word also has a strong presence in media and literature. In news reports about public health crises or food safety recalls, journalists use 'náuseas' to describe the symptoms reported by the public. In literature, authors use the word to convey not just physical illness but a deeper existential dread or moral disgust, famously seen in works like Jean-Paul Sartre's 'La Náusea' (translated into Spanish as 'La náusea'). Hearing or reading the word in these contexts adds a layer of intellectual or dramatic weight to its basic medical meaning.

La corrupción en el gobierno le producía una profunda náusea existencial.

Hospitality and Service: Waiters might occasionally hear it if a customer finds something repulsive or if they feel unwell during a meal.

Disculpe, ¿podría retirar el plato? El olor me está dando náuseas.

For English speakers learning Spanish, one of the most frequent mistakes with náuseas is treating it as a masculine noun. Because many words ending in '-a' are feminine, learners often get this right, but the plural ending '-as' can sometimes confuse those who are used to the singular 'nausea' in English. It is always las náuseas. Using 'los náuseas' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker and should be avoided. Consistency in gender agreement with adjectives is also crucial.

Gender Error: Incorrect: 'Tengo mucho náusea.' Correct: 'Tengo muchas náuseas.'

Ella experimentó náuseas severas (not severos) durante el viaje.

Another common pitfall is the literal translation of 'I am nauseous.' In English, 'nauseous' can mean either 'feeling nausea' or 'causing nausea.' In Spanish, you cannot use ser or estar directly with the noun náuseas. You must use tener (to have) or sentir (to feel). Saying 'Estoy náuseas' is nonsensical in Spanish. If you want to use an adjective, you could use 'nauseabundo' (nauseating), but that describes something that *causes* nausea, not the person feeling it.

Confusing Náuseas with Asco: While related, 'asco' is disgust/revulsion, while 'náuseas' is the physical urge to vomit. Don't use 'náuseas' for simple dislike of a food.

Me da asco el brócoli (disgust), pero el pescado podrido me da náuseas (physical sickness).

The singular vs. plural usage is also a point of confusion. While 'la náusea' exists, it is largely reserved for philosophical or abstract contexts. In 99% of medical or everyday situations, you should use the plural 'las náuseas.' Using the singular 'Tengo náusea' sounds slightly poetic or overly dramatic, which might not be the intended tone when you're just feeling a bit car-sick.

Es más natural decir 'tengo náuseas' que 'tengo una náusea'.

Verb Misuse: Using 'hacer' (to make) instead of 'dar' (to give). Incorrect: 'Ese olor me hace náuseas.' Correct: 'Ese olor me da náuseas.'

El movimiento del coche me da náuseas.

While náuseas is the most precise term for the feeling of wanting to vomit, Spanish offers several related words that describe different facets of stomach upset or general malaise. Understanding these can help you be more specific in your descriptions. For instance, mareo is often used alongside náuseas. While 'mareo' primarily means dizziness or motion sickness, it is frequently used as a blanket term for that 'unwell' feeling one gets on a boat or plane, which often includes náuseas.

Mareo vs. Náuseas: 'Mareo' is the dizziness or disorientation; 'náuseas' is the stomach-specific urge to vomit. They often occur together.

El mareo fue tan fuerte que pronto se convirtió en náuseas.

Another important word is asco. As mentioned previously, 'asco' is primarily 'disgust' or 'revulsion.' While it can lead to náuseas, it is more about the psychological reaction to something repulsive. You might feel 'asco' at a dirty room without feeling physical náuseas. Conversely, you can have náuseas from a virus without feeling 'asco' toward anything in particular. Then there is indisposición, a more formal way to say someone is 'unwell' or 'indisposed,' often used to politely explain an absence due to stomach issues.

Ganas de vomitar: This is the most common informal alternative. Literally 'desires to vomit,' it is used exactly like 'náuseas' but is less medical.

Tengo muchas ganas de vomitar; creo que algo me cayó mal.

For the physical act of dry heaving, the word is arcadas. This is a more intense, physical description than náuseas. If someone is actually retching, they are having 'arcadas.' Understanding the progression from 'mareo' (dizziness) to 'náuseas' (feeling sick) to 'arcadas' (retching) and finally 'vomitar' (vomiting) allows for a complete description of the experience in Spanish.

Las arcadas son el paso previo al vómito cuando tienes náuseas fuertes.

Malestar estomacal: A broad term meaning 'stomach discomfort.' It includes náuseas, gas, bloating, and general pain.

Siento un malestar estomacal general, con un poco de náuseas.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because the word comes from the Greek word for 'ship' (naus), it is linguistically related to 'nauta' (sailor), 'náutico' (nautical), and 'nave' (ship). Originally, you could only have náuseas if you were on a boat!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈnau̯.se.as/

US /ˈnaʊ.se.as/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'náu', indicated by the written accent mark.

Rhymes With

pausas causas cláusulas (partial) náuseas (itself) gausas (archaic) traumas (partial) fauces (partial) pautas (partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'na-u-se-as' (four syllables) instead of 'náu-se-as' (three syllables).
Putting the stress on the 'e' instead of the 'au'.
Pronouncing the 's' like a 'z' sound.
Making the 'au' sound like 'ah-ooh'.
Ignoring the accent mark entirely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it's a cognate of 'nausea'.

Writing 3/5

Must remember the accent on the 'á' and the feminine plural agreement.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct placement of stress on the first syllable.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear, but can be confused with 'mareos' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

estómago enfermo tener sentir comer

Learn Next

vómito mareo fiebre síntoma farmacia

Advanced

nauseabundo arcadas antiemético etiología psicosomático

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -as are usually feminine plural.

Las náuseas son molestas.

Verbs like 'dar' use indirect object pronouns when describing sensations.

Me da náuseas (It gives me nausea).

Adjective agreement with feminine plural nouns.

Náuseas intensas.

The written accent (tilde) indicates the stressed syllable.

Náuseas (stress on 'náu').

Using 'tener' for temporary physical states/symptoms.

Tengo náuseas.

Examples by Level

Tengo náuseas.

I have nausea.

Basic 'tener' + noun structure.

¿Tienes náuseas?

Do you have nausea?

Simple question form.

Tengo muchas náuseas.

I have a lot of nausea.

Use of 'muchas' to modify a feminine plural noun.

Ella tiene náuseas hoy.

She has nausea today.

Third person singular of 'tener'.

No tengo náuseas.

I don't have nausea.

Negative sentence structure.

El niño tiene náuseas.

The boy has nausea.

Subject-verb agreement.

Tengo un poco de náuseas.

I have a little bit of nausea.

Using 'un poco de' for quantity.

¿Usted tiene náuseas?

Do you (formal) have nausea?

Formal 'usted' address.

Siento náuseas después de comer.

I feel nausea after eating.

Use of 'sentir' for physical sensations.

El viaje en coche me da náuseas.

The car trip gives me nausea.

Use of 'dar' to indicate cause.

Él sintió náuseas en el avión.

He felt nausea on the plane.

Past tense of 'sentir'.

Las náuseas son horribles.

The nausea is horrible.

Adjective agreement with plural noun.

¿Qué causa las náuseas?

What causes the nausea?

Asking about causation.

Tengo náuseas por el calor.

I have nausea because of the heat.

Use of 'por' to indicate reason.

Ella nunca tiene náuseas.

She never has nausea.

Use of frequency adverb 'nunca'.

Me dan náuseas los olores fuertes.

Strong smells give me nausea.

Plural verb 'dan' because 'olores' is the subject.

Las náuseas matutinas son comunes en el embarazo.

Morning sickness is common in pregnancy.

Specific collocation 'náuseas matutinas'.

Ayer tuve náuseas y no pude ir a trabajar.

Yesterday I had nausea and I couldn't go to work.

Compound sentence with past tense.

Esa película de terror me dio náuseas.

That horror movie gave me nausea.

Metaphorical/emotional use of the word.

Si tienes náuseas, bebe un poco de agua.

If you have nausea, drink a little water.

Conditional sentence with imperative.

Las náuseas empezaron justo después de la cena.

The nausea started right after dinner.

Describing the onset of symptoms.

Me da náuseas ver tanta injusticia.

It gives me nausea to see so much injustice.

Abstract/moral use of the word.

El médico me preguntó si tenía náuseas frecuentes.

The doctor asked me if I had frequent nausea.

Indirect speech in the past.

Tomé un té para calmar las náuseas.

I took a tea to calm the nausea.

Using 'para' to indicate purpose.

El paciente presenta náuseas y mareos persistentes.

The patient presents with persistent nausea and dizziness.

Formal medical register.

Es probable que el medicamento te provoque náuseas.

It is probable that the medication will cause you nausea.

Use of subjunctive after 'es probable que'.

A pesar de las náuseas, ella continuó con su discurso.

Despite the nausea, she continued with her speech.

Concessive clause with 'a pesar de'.

Las náuseas pueden ser un síntoma de estrés agudo.

Nausea can be a symptom of acute stress.

Discussing medical possibilities.

Me produce náuseas el solo hecho de pensarlo.

It produces nausea in me just the thought of it.

Emphatic structure 'el solo hecho de'.

Había tal olor a podrido que sentí náuseas inmediatas.

There was such a rotten smell that I felt immediate nausea.

Consecutive sentence 'tal... que'.

Las náuseas remitieron tras unos minutos de descanso.

The nausea subsided after a few minutes of rest.

Formal verb 'remitir' (to subside).

¿Has probado el jengibre para combatir las náuseas?

Have you tried ginger to combat nausea?

Present perfect tense.

La náusea existencial es un tema central en su obra.

Existential nausea is a central theme in his work.

Abstract, singular use in literary context.

Sufre de náuseas crónicas cuya etiología es desconocida.

He suffers from chronic nausea whose etiology is unknown.

High-level vocabulary like 'etiología' and 'cuyo'.

La escena era tan dantesca que provocaba náuseas al verla.

The scene was so hellish that it provoked nausea upon seeing it.

Use of the literary adjective 'dantesca'.

No permitas que las náuseas te impidan disfrutar del viaje.

Don't let the nausea prevent you from enjoying the trip.

Subjunctive after a negative command.

Las náuseas son a menudo el preludio de una migraña fuerte.

Nausea is often the prelude to a strong migraine.

Using 'preludio' to describe symptom progression.

El hedor de la alcantarilla era suficiente para inducir náuseas.

The stench from the sewer was enough to induce nausea.

Using 'inducir' as a formal alternative to 'dar'.

Experimentó una oleada de náuseas al recordar el accidente.

He experienced a wave of nausea upon remembering the accident.

Metaphorical 'oleada' (wave) for sudden onset.

Sus náuseas son de origen psicosomático, según los análisis.

His nausea is of psychosomatic origin, according to the analyses.

Technical medical term 'psicosomático'.

La náusea sartreana describe la contingencia pura del ser.

Sartrean nausea describes the pure contingency of being.

Highly specialized philosophical usage.

Apenas pudo contener las náuseas ante tal despliegue de cinismo.

He could barely contain his nausea at such a display of cynicism.

Using 'apenas pudo contener' for dramatic effect.

Las náuseas se manifestaron como un síntoma prodrómico de la infección.

The nausea manifested as a prodromal symptom of the infection.

Technical medical term 'prodrómico'.

Sentía una náusea visceral que le impedía articular palabra alguna.

He felt a visceral nausea that prevented him from articulating any word.

Literary description of physical/emotional state.

La administración de quimioterapia suele conllevar náuseas agudas.

The administration of chemotherapy usually entails acute nausea.

Formal verb 'conllevar' (to entail/carry with it).

Tras el festín, la náusea se apoderó de los comensales imprudentes.

After the feast, nausea took hold of the imprudent diners.

Personifying nausea with 'se apoderó de'.

Es imperativo mitigar las náuseas para asegurar la ingesta calórica.

It is imperative to mitigate the nausea to ensure caloric intake.

Formal academic/medical register.

Su rechazo al proyecto era tal que le provocaba náuseas físicas.

His rejection of the project was such that it caused him physical nausea.

Describing intense psychological aversion.

Common Collocations

náuseas matutinas

sentir náuseas

provocar náuseas

quitar las náuseas

náuseas y vómitos

náuseas persistentes

dar náuseas

náuseas leves

combatir las náuseas

sufrir de náuseas

Common Phrases

Me dan náuseas

— Something makes me feel sick or disgusted. Used for both physical and moral reactions.

Me dan náuseas sus mentiras.

Tengo náuseas

— The standard way to say 'I feel nauseous.' Direct and clear.

Tengo náuseas, necesito aire fresco.

Ganas de náuseas

— Less common than 'ganas de vomitar,' but used to describe the feeling coming on.

Me entraron ganas de náuseas de repente.

Náuseas de embarazo

— Specifically refers to the nausea experienced by pregnant women.

Las náuseas de embarazo suelen ser peores por la mañana.

Remedio para las náuseas

— Any treatment or medicine used to stop the feeling of nausea.

¿Conoces algún remedio casero para las náuseas?

Sentirse con náuseas

— To feel in a state of nausea. Slightly more descriptive than 'tener'.

Me siento con náuseas desde que comí ese marisco.

Evitar las náuseas

— To take steps to prevent the feeling of nausea from occurring.

Mira al horizonte para evitar las náuseas en el barco.

Náuseas por estrés

— Nausea caused by emotional or psychological pressure rather than physical illness.

Antes del examen siempre tiene náuseas por estrés.

Náuseas constantes

— Nausea that does not go away for a long period of time.

Ha tenido náuseas constantes durante toda la semana.

Náuseas después de comer

— A specific timing for the symptom, often indicating food intolerance.

Si tienes náuseas después de comer, podrías ser alérgico.

Often Confused With

náuseas vs mareo

Mareo is dizziness; náuseas is the stomach feeling. They often happen together but are different sensations.

náuseas vs asco

Asco is disgust or revulsion. You can feel asco without having physical náuseas.

náuseas vs vómito

Vómito is the actual act or the substance thrown up; náuseas is just the feeling before it happens.

Idioms & Expressions

"Dar náuseas a alguien"

— To make someone feel intense disgust or moral revulsion. Not just physical.

Su comportamiento hipócrita le da náuseas a todo el mundo.

informal/neutral

"Estar con la náusea en la boca"

— To feel extremely close to vomiting. Very descriptive and informal.

Estoy con la náusea en la boca, ¡déjame pasar al baño!

informal

"Provocar náuseas morales"

— To be so ethically wrong that it causes a physical-like reaction of disgust.

Ese nivel de corrupción provoca náuseas morales.

formal

"Sentir una náusea profunda"

— Used in literature to describe a deep existential or emotional sickness.

Sentía una náusea profunda ante el vacío de su vida.

literary

"Tener náuseas de algo"

— To be completely fed up or sickened by a situation or thing.

Ya tengo náuseas de tanto papeleo inútil.

informal

"La náusea del mar"

— A poetic way to refer to seasickness (mareo).

La náusea del mar no le permitió disfrutar del crucero.

literary

"Náuseas de muerte"

— Hyperbolic way to say you have extremely strong nausea.

Tengo unas náuseas de muerte, no puedo ni moverme.

informal

"Vivir en una náusea"

— To live in a constant state of disgust or unhappiness with one's surroundings.

Vivía en una náusea constante por el ambiente tóxico del trabajo.

literary

"Náusea repentina"

— A sudden, unexpected onset of the feeling.

Una náusea repentina lo obligó a salir de la reunión.

neutral

"Quitarse las náuseas de encima"

— To finally get rid of the feeling or the cause of the disgust.

Por fin me quité las náuseas de encima tras descansar.

informal

Easily Confused

náuseas vs nauseabundo

Sounds similar to náuseas.

Náuseas is the feeling you have; nauseabundo is the thing that causes it (nauseating).

El olor nauseabundo me dio náuseas.

náuseas vs nauseoso

It's the adjective form.

In Spanish, we rarely say 'estoy nauseoso'. We prefer 'tengo náuseas'. 'Nauseoso' is more technical.

Un estado nauseoso persistente.

náuseas vs ansias

In some regions, 'ansias' means nausea.

Standard Spanish 'ansias' means 'longings' or 'anxiety'. Regional 'ansias' means 'nausea'.

Tengo ansias (Regional: I feel sick / Standard: I have longings).

náuseas vs basca

Old-fashioned synonym.

Basca is informal and less common than náuseas.

Me entró una basca.

náuseas vs vaguido

Relates to feeling unwell.

A vaguido is a sudden dizzy spell that might include nausea, but focuses on the head.

Le dio un vaguido al levantarse.

Sentence Patterns

Tengo + [noun]

Tengo náuseas.

[Object] + me da + [noun]

El coche me da náuseas.

Sentir + [noun] + [adjective]

Siento náuseas horribles.

[Verb] + que + [subjunctive]

Espero que se te pasen las náuseas.

A pesar de + [noun]

A pesar de las náuseas, comió algo.

[Noun] + de origen + [adjective]

Náuseas de origen desconocido.

Si + [present], [imperative]

Si tienes náuseas, descansa.

No + [verb] + [noun]

No tengo náuseas.

Word Family

Nouns

náusea (singular, mostly abstract)

nauseabundo (thing that causes nausea)

nauseosidad (rarer, the state of being nauseous)

Verbs

nausear (to cause nausea, less common than 'dar náuseas')

Adjectives

nauseabundo

nauseoso

vómito

mareo

asco

estómago

indisposición

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both medical and daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Tengo mucho náusea. → Tengo muchas náuseas.
Náuseas is feminine and plural. You must use 'muchas', not 'mucho'.
Estoy náuseas. → Tengo náuseas.
In Spanish, you 'have' nausea, you aren't 'it'. Use 'tener'.
El olor me hace náuseas. → El olor me da náuseas.
The correct verb for causing a sensation is 'dar', not 'hacer'.
Tengo náuseas matutinos. → Tengo náuseas matutinas.
Adjectives must agree with the feminine noun 'náuseas'.
Siento un náusea. → Siento náuseas.
We rarely use the singular with an indefinite article for this symptom.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always treat 'náuseas' as feminine plural. Example: 'náuseas matutinas' (not matutinos).

Tener vs. Dar

Use 'tener' for your internal state and 'dar' for external triggers. 'Tengo náuseas' vs 'Me da náuseas'.

Common Pair

Learn 'náuseas y mareos' together, as they are the most frequent symptom pair in travel and illness.

Stress the Náu

The accent mark on the 'á' tells you exactly where to put the emphasis. Don't skip it!

Pregnancy Context

If you hear someone mention 'náuseas' in a family context, they might be hinting at a pregnancy.

In the Pharmacy

Say 'Busco algo para las náuseas' to get the right medicine quickly.

Abstract Meaning

In books, 'náusea' often means a deep disgust with life or society, not just a sick stomach.

Ganas de vomitar

Use this phrase with friends if 'náuseas' feels a bit too medical for the situation.

The S is Important

Always include the 's' at the end. 'Náusea' (singular) is much less common in daily life.

Motion Sickness

If you get car sick, tell the driver: 'Me dan náuseas los viajes en coche'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Nautical' sailor feeling 'Nauseas'. Both start with 'Nau' and both relate to the sea and sickness.

Visual Association

Imagine a green face emoji 🤢. In Spanish, this emoji represents 'tener náuseas'.

Word Web

Estómago Vómito Mareo Barco Embarazo Medicina Farmacia Asco

Challenge

Try to use 'náuseas' in three different sentences today: once with 'tener', once with 'sentir', and once with 'dar'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'nausea', which in turn comes from the Greek 'nausia' (ναυσία).

Original meaning: The original Greek meaning was specifically 'seasickness'.

Indo-European -> Greek -> Latin -> Romance (Spanish).

Cultural Context

While not a 'dirty' word, use it appropriately. In very formal dining, maybe use 'me siento indispuesto' instead of being graphic about nausea.

English speakers often say 'I feel sick,' which is broader. Spanish speakers are more likely to specify 'tengo náuseas' if that's exactly what they mean.

'La náusea' by Jean-Paul Sartre (Spanish translation). Commonly mentioned in medical dramas like 'Centro Médico' or 'Pulseras Rojas'. Frequent topic in 'consejos de salud' segments on morning TV shows.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's

Tengo náuseas frecuentes.
¿Es normal tener náuseas con esta medicina?
Las náuseas empezaron ayer.
Siento náuseas después de comer.

Traveling

Me dan náuseas los barcos.
¿Tiene algo para las náuseas del viaje?
Necesito parar, tengo náuseas.
El movimiento me provoca náuseas.

Pregnancy

Tengo náuseas matutinas.
¿Cuándo se pasan las náuseas?
Las náuseas son muy fuertes por la mañana.
El jengibre ayuda con las náuseas.

Moral Disgust

Su actitud me da náuseas.
Es una situación que provoca náuseas.
Siento náuseas al ver tanta mentira.
Me da náuseas solo pensarlo.

Pharmacy

Busco algo para las náuseas.
¿Estas pastillas quitan las náuseas?
Tengo náuseas y malestar.
¿Tiene efectos secundarios como náuseas?

Conversation Starters

"¿Alguna vez has tenido náuseas en un barco o en un avión?"

"¿Qué remedio casero usas cuando tienes náuseas?"

"¿Te dan náuseas las películas de terror con mucha sangre?"

"¿Conoces a alguien que sufra de náuseas matutinas ahora mismo?"

"¿Qué tipo de olores te dan náuseas inmediatamente?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una vez que tuviste náuseas fuertes. ¿Qué las causó y cómo te sentiste?

Escribe sobre una situación social o política que te 'dé náuseas' y explica por qué.

Si tuvieras que explicarle a un médico tus síntomas de náuseas, ¿qué palabras usarías?

¿Crees que el jengibre o los remedios naturales son mejores que las pastillas para las náuseas?

Imagina que estás en un viaje largo. ¿Cómo evitarías tener náuseas y mareos?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Es femenino. Siempre se dice 'las náuseas' o 'muchas náuseas'. Nunca uses 'los' o 'muchos'.

Sí, 'la náusea' existe, pero se usa más en contextos filosóficos o literarios. Para hablar de salud, usa el plural.

La forma más común es 'Tengo náuseas'. También puedes decir 'Siento náuseas'.

El 'mareo' es desorientación o vueltas en la cabeza (dizziness). Las 'náuseas' son el malestar en el estómago.

Significa 'morning sickness', el malestar que sienten las mujeres embarazadas por la mañana.

No, es incorrecto. Debes usar el verbo tener: 'Tengo náuseas'.

Usa el verbo 'dar'. Por ejemplo: 'Ese olor me da náuseas'.

Sí, es la palabra estándar en todo el mundo hispanohablante para este síntoma.

Se pronuncia como una sola sílaba, parecido al sonido 'ou' en la palabra inglesa 'out'.

Sí, 'ganas de vomitar' es muy común en el habla diaria.