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

📅 Published: December 22, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

temblor

noun • /[tem-BLOR]/

tremor

Example:

Tiene un temblor en las manos.

He has a tremor in his hands.

🧠 What does temblor mean?

A 'temblor' is an involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction and relaxation involving to-and-fro movements of one or more body parts. It is a common symptom in various neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, but can also be caused by stress, fatigue, or medication side effects. While its primary meaning is a tremor or shaking in a medical context, 'temblor' is also very commonly used to refer to an earthquake, especially a minor one. The word comes from the verb 'temblar', which means 'to tremble' or 'to shake'.

📚 Extra examples

  • El paciente se quejó de un temblor persistente en la mano derecha.
    The patient complained of a persistent tremor in his right hand.
  • La cafeína en exceso puede provocar temblores y nerviosismo.
    Excessive caffeine can cause tremors and nervousness.
  • Los temblores esenciales son un trastorno del sistema nervioso que causa un temblor rítmico.
    Essential tremors are a nervous system disorder that causes rhythmic shaking.
  • Sintió un ligero temblor en las piernas después del intenso ejercicio.
    He felt a slight tremor in his legs after the intense exercise.
  • Anoche hubo un temblor que despertó a toda la ciudad.
    Last night there was an earthquake that woke up the whole city.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'temblor' is directly related to the Latin word 'tremulus', which means 'trembling'. In English, words like 'tremble', 'tremor', and 'tremendous' share this same root, all relating to a sense of shaking or causing to shake.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "temblor"

Synonyms: sacudida, estremecimiento, tiritera, vibración, terremoto
Opposites: quietud, estabilidad, firmeza, calma

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'tremor' in Spanish?
The most direct translation for 'tremor' is 'temblor'.
How do you pronounce 'temblor' in Spanish?
'Temblor' is pronounced tem-BLOR. The emphasis is on the second syllable.
How do you use 'temblor' in a sentence?
An example is: 'El médico notó un leve temblor en las manos del paciente.' (The doctor noticed a slight tremor in the patient's hands.)
What is the English translation of 'temblor'?
The English translation of 'temblor' is 'tremor' or 'shaking'. In the context of seismic activity, it means 'tremor' or 'earthquake'.
Does 'temblor' change for gender or number?
'Temblor' is a masculine noun. Its plural form is 'temblores'. For example: 'un temblor' (a tremor), 'los temblores' (the tremors).
Is 'temblor' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'temblor' is very common, both in medical contexts and especially when referring to earthquakes. In many Latin American countries, it is the standard word for an earthquake.
Does 'temblor' have slang or double meanings?
Besides a medical tremor, its most significant double meaning is 'earthquake' or 'earth tremor'. It can also be used figuratively to mean a shiver of fear or excitement, as in 'un temblor de emoción'.
Is 'temblor' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The medical meaning is consistent everywhere. For seismic activity, 'temblor' is very common in Latin America for any earthquake. In Spain, 'terremoto' is more common for a significant earthquake, while 'temblor' might be used for a minor one.

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