Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Cramp in Spanish: Calambre
Calambre · noun (masculine) · kah-LAHM-breh
The Spanish word for cramp is 'calambre,' referring to an involuntary, painful muscle contraction. For stomach cramps, speakers often use 'cólico,' while some Latin American regions prefer 'rampa' for a muscle cramp. Knowing this term is useful when visiting a doctor or describing physical discomfort.
Pronounce it kah-LAHM-breh with three syllables and the stress on the second. The 'br' combination is pronounced softly, similar to English.
Me dio un calambre en la pierna mientras corría.
I got a cramp in my leg while running.
Cramp in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for cramp, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| calambre | cramp | kah-LAHM-breh | Default, widely understood |
| cólico | cramp | used specifically for stomach or menstrual cramps | |
| rampa | cramp | used in some Latin American countries for muscle cramp |
How Native Speakers Use Calambre
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
During exercise
Tuve un calambre en el pie durante el partido de fútbol.
I had a cramp in my foot during the soccer game.
Describing a sports injury.
At the doctor
Doctor, tengo calambres frecuentes en las manos.
Doctor, I have frequent cramps in my hands.
Explaining symptoms to a physician.
Swimming
Salió del agua porque le dio un calambre en la pantorrilla.
She got out of the water because she got a cramp in her calf.
A cramp incident while swimming.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Calambre
Wrong gender
Incorrect: La calambre fue dolorosa.
Correct: El calambre fue doloroso.
'Calambre' is masculine, requiring the article 'el' and the masculine adjective ending '-oso.'
Using calambre for stomach cramps
Incorrect: Tengo un calambre de estómago.
Correct: Tengo un cólico estomacal.
For stomach or abdominal cramps, 'cólico' is the more precise and commonly used term in medical and everyday Spanish.
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See Calambre used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Cramp in Spanish
- What is the plural of calambre?
- The plural form is 'calambres,' formed by adding '-s,' as in 'Tengo calambres en las piernas' (I have cramps in my legs).
- How do you say menstrual cramps in Spanish?
- Menstrual cramps are commonly referred to as 'cólicos menstruales' or 'dolores menstruales,' rather than using 'calambres.'
- Is rampa widely understood for cramp?
- While 'rampa' is used for muscle cramp in some Latin American countries like Argentina and Chile, it may not be understood everywhere, so 'calambre' is the safest choice.