How to Say To Hurt in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, understanding how to express pain or discomfort is crucial when learning a new language like Spanish. To effectively communicate this emotion, you need to know the verb "to hurt" in Spanish. This article will guide you through the meaning and usage of "doler," provide its pronunciation for non-Spanish speakers, and offer sample sentences to help you grasp different contexts where it's used.
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What is "To Hurt" in Spanish?
The verb "to hurt" in Spanish is expressed as doler (IPA: /doˈleɾ/). It's a versatile word used to convey both physical pain and emotional distress. For instance, you can use it to say "My head hurts," which translates to "Me duele la cabeza."
Meaning of "To Hurt" in Spanish
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Browse all 4 volumes →Doler is not limited to just physical pain; it also expresses emotional distress or concern for someone else's well-being. To use this verb correctly, you need to conjugate it according to the subject. For example, "me duele" means "it hurts me," while "te duele" translates to "it hurts you." In plural form, it becomes "nos duele" (it hurts us) or "les duele" (it hurts them).
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Regional Variations in How to Say "To Hurt" in Spanish
The usage of "doler" can vary slightly depending on the region:
- Latin America: In most Latin American countries, "doler" is commonly used for both physical pain and emotional distress. For example, if you want to say "My head hurts," you would use "Me duele la cabeza."
- Spain: In Spain, another verb, lastimar (IPA: /las.tiˈmar/), is often used for physical pain, while "doler" conveys emotional distress. For instance, if you want to say "My knee hurts," you might use "Me duele la rodilla." However, when referring to a wound that causes pain, you would use "lastimar": "Me lastima la herida."
How to Say "To Hurt" in Spanish: Sample Sentences
Here are five sample sentences using the verb "doler:
- Me duele la espalda.
(My back hurts.)
- ¿Te duele la garganta?
(Does your throat hurt?)
- Nos duele ver sufrir a los animales.
(It hurts us to see animals suffer.)
- Le duele el corazón después de la ruptura.
(His/her heart hurts after the breakup.)
- Me duelen los pies de tanto caminar.
(My feet hurt from so much walking.)
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