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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(
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 tos(
tehng
-
goh
tohs
)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.
