hHablaCore

Spanish false friend

constipado doesn’t mean “constipated

It actually means having a cold (a head cold, congested).

The trap

Telling a Spaniard you're 'constipada' will get you sympathetic looks and an offer of tissues — not the laxative you didn't ask for.

Example

Estoy constipado, no puedo respirar bien.

I have a cold, I can't breathe well.

So how do you say “constipated” in Spanish?

Use estreñido.

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