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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(
doh
-
lohr
deh
kah
-
beh
-
sah
)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(
tehn
-
goh
fyeh
-
breh
)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.
