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

📅 Published: February 9, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

náusea

noun • /[NAW-se-a]/

nausea

Example:

Tiene náuseas matutinas.

She has morning nausea.

🧠 What does náusea mean?

Náusea refers to the unpleasant sensation of wanting to vomit, often accompanied by a general feeling of unease, weakness, and sometimes sweating or dizziness. It is a symptom rather than a disease itself and can be triggered by various factors, including illness, medication, motion sickness, or strong smells. In Spanish, it is a feminine noun.

📚 Extra examples

  • Después de la comida picante, sintió una ligera náusea.
    After the spicy meal, a slight nausea was felt.
  • La quimioterapia puede provocar náuseas intensas en algunos pacientes.
    Chemotherapy can cause intense nausea in some patients.
  • Es importante beber líquidos para evitar la deshidratación si se experimenta náusea y vómito.
    It is important to drink fluids to prevent dehydration if nausea and vomiting are experienced.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'náusea' has fascinating Greek origins. It comes from the Greek word 'naus', meaning 'ship', which passed into Latin as 'nausea'. This etymology directly reflects the historical association of the sensation with seasickness, highlighting how common this particular trigger for nausea was in ancient times.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "náusea"

Synonyms: malestar estomacal, ganas de vomitar, arcadas (when associated with retching)
Opposites: bienestar, alivio, confort

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'nausea' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'nausea' is 'náusea'.
How do you pronounce 'náusea' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'náusea' is NAH-oo-seh-ah. The stress is on the first syllable ('ná'), and the 'au' forms a diphthong, pronounced like the 'ow' in 'cow'.
How do you use 'náusea' in a sentence?
Náusea is a feminine noun. An example of its usage is: 'Tuvo náuseas durante todo el viaje' (She had nausea throughout the entire trip). It is common to use it in the plural, 'náuseas', when referring to the general sensation.
What is the English translation of 'náusea'?
The English translation of 'náusea' is 'nausea'.
Does 'náusea' change for gender or number?
Náusea is always a feminine noun. It can change for number, becoming 'náuseas' in the plural, which is frequently used to describe the general feeling of nausea.
Is 'náusea' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'náusea' is a common and widely understood term in everyday Spanish, especially when discussing health or discomfort. It is used both in medical contexts and in general conversation.
Does 'náusea' have slang or double meanings?
The word 'náusea' primarily retains its literal medical meaning and does not have common slang or double meanings. However, expressions like 'dar náuseas' can imply a strong feeling of disgust, similar to 'it makes me sick'.
Is 'náusea' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage and meaning of 'náusea' are consistent across Spain and most of Latin America. It is a universally understood term in Spanish-speaking regions for the sensation of nausea.

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