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calambre means cramp — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: February 14, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

calambre

noun • /[ka-LAM-bre]/

cramp

Example:

Tuvo un calambre en la pierna.

She had a leg cramp.

🧠 What does calambre mean?

A sudden, involuntary, and often painful contraction of a muscle or a group of muscles. This sensation is typically temporary and can be caused by factors such as intense exercise, dehydration, or mineral deficiencies. It commonly affects the legs and feet.

📚 Extra examples

  • Me dio un calambre en la pantorrilla mientras corría.
    I got a cramp in my calf while running.
  • Anoche me desperté con un calambre terrible en el pie.
    Last night I woke up with a terrible cramp in my foot.
  • Beber suficiente agua puede ayudar a prevenir los calambres.
    Drinking enough water can help prevent cramps.
  • Para aliviar el calambre, estira el músculo suavemente.
    To relieve the cramp, stretch the muscle gently.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'calambre' primarily means a muscle cramp, it is also frequently used to describe a mild electric shock. This usage is common when touching a faulty electrical appliance or outlet, as in 'Cuidado, esa lámpara da calambre' (Be careful, that lamp gives you a shock).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "calambre"

Synonyms: espasmo, contracción muscular, tirón
Opposites: relajación, distensión

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'cramp' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'cramp' in Spanish is 'calambre'. For menstrual cramps, the term 'cólico' is more specific and widely used.
How do you pronounce 'calambre' in Spanish?
The word 'calambre' is pronounced /ka-LAM-breh/. The stress falls on the second syllable, 'lam'.
How do you use 'calambre' in a sentence?
It is often used with the verb 'dar'. For example, 'Me dio un calambre' (I got a cramp). It can also be used with 'tener' or 'sufrir', as in 'Tengo un calambre en la pierna' (I have a cramp in my leg).
What is the English translation of 'calambre'?
The direct English translation of 'calambre' is 'cramp'.
Does 'calambre' change for gender or number?
'Calambre' is a masculine noun. The plural form is 'calambres'. For example, 'Sufro de calambres nocturnos' (I suffer from night cramps).
Is 'calambre' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'calambre' is a very common word used in everyday conversation across the Spanish-speaking world to describe muscle cramps.
Does 'calambre' have slang or double meanings?
Primarily, 'calambre' refers to a muscle cramp. In some regions, 'dar calambre' can also informally mean to get a small electric shock. For example, 'El enchufe me dio calambre' (The outlet gave me a shock).
Is 'calambre' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word 'calambre' is understood universally in both Spain and Latin America with the same primary meaning of a muscle cramp. The secondary meaning of a slight electric shock is also widely understood.

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