Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Cramps in Spanish
Calambres · noun · kah-LAHM-brehs
The Spanish word for cramps is 'calambres' (singular: calambre), referring to sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that cause pain. For menstrual or stomach cramps specifically, Spanish speakers often use 'cólicos.' Understanding which term to use depends on the type and location of the cramp.
Say kah-LAHM-brehs for the plural form. The stress falls on the second syllable. The 'b' is soft, produced with the lips barely touching. For the singular 'calambre,' say kah-LAHM-breh.
Tengo calambres en las piernas después de correr.
I have cramps in my legs after running.
Cramps in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for cramps, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| calambres | cramps | kah-LAHM-brehs | Default, widely understood |
| cólicos | cramps | menstrual or abdominal cramps |
How Native Speakers Use Calambres
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Exercise-related
Me dio un calambre en la pantorrilla mientras nadaba.
I got a cramp in my calf while swimming.
Describing a sudden muscle spasm during physical activity.
Menstrual cramps
No puedo ir a trabajar porque tengo cólicos muy fuertes.
I can't go to work because I have very strong cramps.
Using 'cólicos' specifically for menstrual pain, common in everyday conversation.
Seeking remedy
¿Tienes algo para los calambres? Me duelen mucho las manos.
Do you have something for cramps? My hands hurt a lot.
Asking for help with muscle cramps in a pharmacy or informal setting.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Calambres
Using 'calambres' for menstrual cramps
Incorrect: Tengo calambres menstruales.
Correct: Tengo cólicos menstruales.
While technically understandable, native speakers almost exclusively use 'cólicos' (not 'calambres') when referring to menstrual cramps. 'Calambres' is reserved for skeletal muscle spasms.
Incorrect plural formation
Incorrect: Los calambros me están matando.
Correct: Los calambres me están matando.
The plural of 'calambre' is 'calambres,' not 'calambros.' The word maintains the 'e' ending in both singular and plural forms.
Lock in Cramps Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
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See Calambres used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Cramps in Spanish
- What's the difference between 'calambres' and 'cólicos'?
- Calambres refers to skeletal muscle spasms like a charley horse in the leg or foot, while cólicos describes internal cramping pain such as menstrual cramps (cólicos menstruales) or infant gas pain (cólicos del lactante), so the choice depends on whether the pain is muscular or visceral.
- How do you say 'stomach cramps' in Spanish?
- Stomach cramps are most naturally expressed as 'cólicos estomacales' or 'retortijones' (a more colloquial term for intestinal cramping), rather than 'calambres del estómago,' which would sound unnatural to native speakers.
- Is 'calambre' masculine or feminine?
- Calambre is a masculine noun, so you would say 'un calambre fuerte' or 'el calambre no se me quita,' always using masculine articles and adjectives despite the word ending in 'e.'