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"Dolor de cabeza" is a noun which is often translated as "headache", and "tengo tos" is a phrase which is often translated as "I have a cough". Learn more about the difference between "dolor de cabeza" and "tengo tos" 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 tos()
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (medicine)
a. I have a cough
Tengo tos y unas décimas. Nada serio, pero prefiero quedarme en la cama.I have a cough and a slight fever. Nothing very serious, but I prefer to stay in bed.
b. I've had a cough
Hace una semana que tengo tos, y no consigo quitármela de encima.I've had a cough for one week, and can't get rid of it.
