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"Dolor de cabeza" is a noun which is often translated as "headache", and "tengo fiebre" is a phrase which is often translated as "I have a fever". Learn more about the difference between "dolor de cabeza" and "tengo fiebre" below.
el dolor de cabeza()
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. headache
Tengo dolor de cabeza porque estuve demasiado tiempo en el sol.I have a headache because I was in the sun too long.
2. (figurative) (nuisance)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. headache
Los problemas financieros se han convertido en un dolor de cabeza para la mayoría de nosotros.Financial problems have become a headache for most of us.
b. pain in the neck
La lavadora no funciona. - ¡Qué dolor de cabeza!The washing machine isn't working. - What a pain in the neck!
tengo fiebre()
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. I have a fever
Creo que tengo fiebre, porque me duele todo el cuerpo.I think I have a fever, because my whole body aches.
b. I have a temperature
Si tengo fiebre, no iré a trabajar.If I have a temperature, I won't go to work.
c. I'm feverish
Creo que me he pillado la gripe. Tengo fiebre y no dejo de toser.I think I've got the flu. I'm feverish and won't stop coughing.
d. I'm running a temperature
¿Qué síntomas tiene? - Tengo fiebre y náuseas.What are your symptoms? - I'm running a temperature and feel sick.
