A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I have food poisoning" in Spanish
Use this phrase to clearly communicate you have food poisoning in Spanish.
Tengo intoxicación alimentaria.
TEN-go een-tohx-ee-cah-see-OHN ah-lee-men-TEE-ahneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
You've eaten something that made you sick, and you need to explain your condition to a doctor, hotel staff, or a friend. This phrase is direct and leaves no room for misunderstanding.
Alternatives
- Me siento mal por algo que comí.This is a more general way to say you feel sick from food.
- Creo que comí algo en mal estado.Use this if you suspect a specific food item was the cause.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'intoxicación' with 'intoxicated'
'Intoxicación' means poisoning, not being drunk or high.
Using 'enfermo' incorrectly
While 'enfermo' means sick, 'intoxicación alimentaria' is more specific to food poisoning.
A small cultural note
While this phrase is understood everywhere, in some regions, people might use more descriptive or colloquial terms depending on the severity and perceived cause.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between 'intoxicación alimentaria' and 'enfermedad estomacal'?
'Intoxicación alimentaria' specifically refers to illness caused by contaminated food. 'Enfermedad estomacal' is a broader term for stomach illness.
How do I say I have diarrhea from food poisoning?
You can say 'Tengo diarrea por la intoxicación alimentaria' or more simply, 'Tengo diarrea'.
Can I say 'Tengo veneno de comida'?
No, 'veneno' means poison in a more general or literal sense. 'Intoxicación alimentaria' is the correct medical term for food poisoning.
