A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I have a headache" in Spanish
Say 'Me duele la cabeza' to express you have a headache in Spanish.
Me duele la cabeza
meh DOO-eh-leh lah kah-BEH-sahneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're feeling unwell and need to explain why you're not feeling up to something. For example, if a friend invites you out but you're not feeling great, you can use this phrase.
Alternatives
- Tengo dolor de cabezaSlightly more formal, like saying 'I have a headache pain'.
- Me da jaquecaUse this if you're experiencing a migraine or a very intense headache.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'duele' with 'dolor'
'Duele' is the verb 'to hurt', while 'dolor' is the noun 'pain'.
Using 'tener' incorrectly
While 'tener dolor de cabeza' is correct, 'tener cabeza' means 'to have a head', not a headache.
A small cultural note
It's common to mention physical discomfort like a headache when explaining why you can't participate in activities.
Frequently asked
how to say i have a headache in spanish
The most common way is 'Me duele la cabeza'. This literally means 'The head hurts me'.
what is the difference between me duele la cabeza and tengo dolor de cabeza
'Me duele la cabeza' is more common and direct, focusing on the sensation of pain. 'Tengo dolor de cabeza' is also correct and emphasizes the possession of the pain.
how to say migraine in spanish
For a severe headache or migraine, you can say 'Me da jaqueca' or 'Tengo una migraña'.
