Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Constipation in Spanish
Estreñimiento · noun · ehs-treh-nyee-MYEN-toh
The Spanish word for constipation is 'estreñimiento.' Be careful with the false cognate 'constipación,' which in many Spanish-speaking regions actually means a cold or nasal congestion rather than constipation.
Pronounce it as ehs-treh-nyee-MYEN-toh, with five syllables and the stress on the fourth. The 'ñ' produces the distinctive Spanish ny-sound.
El estreñimiento puede causar malestar abdominal.
Constipation can cause abdominal discomfort.
constipation in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for constipation, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| estreñimiento | constipation | ehs-treh-nyee-MYEN-toh | Default, widely understood |
| constipación | constipation | less common, can cause confusion |
How Native Speakers Use Estreñimiento
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
At the pharmacy
¿Qué me recomienda para el estreñimiento?
What do you recommend for constipation?
Asking a pharmacist for help.
Doctor visit
He tenido estreñimiento durante tres días.
I have had constipation for three days.
Explaining symptoms to a doctor.
Dietary advice
La fibra ayuda a prevenir el estreñimiento.
Fiber helps prevent constipation.
Discussing healthy eating habits.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Estreñimiento
False cognate
Incorrect: Tengo constipación. (meaning constipation)
Correct: Tengo estreñimiento.
In most Spanish-speaking regions, 'constipación' or 'estar constipado' means having a cold or nasal congestion, not constipation.
Pronunciation of ñ
Incorrect: Tengo estrenimiento.
Correct: Tengo estreñimiento.
The 'ñ' in 'estreñimiento' is critical — without it, the word is misspelled and harder to understand.
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See Estreñimiento used by native speakers
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Common Questions About constipation in Spanish
- Is constipación a false cognate in Spanish?
- In most Latin American countries and Spain, 'constipación' or 'estar constipado' refers to having a cold or congestion, making it one of the most common false cognates between English and Spanish.
- How do you say laxative in Spanish?
- A laxative is called 'laxante' in Spanish, and you can ask for one at a pharmacy by saying 'necesito un laxante para el estreñimiento.'
- What causes confusion with the word constipation in Spanish?
- English speakers often assume 'constipación' translates directly, but telling a Spanish-speaking doctor 'estoy constipado' would make them think you have a head cold rather than a digestive issue.