Here in Medellín, Colombia, I practice an “artes marciales” (martial arts) called “Jiu-jitsu Brasileño” (Brazilian Jiu-jitsu) and a few days ago, I suffered a pinched nerve while training. Earlier today, I decided to send an email to my Jiu-jitsu instructor to tell him that I will be out until my “herida” (injury) heals.

Without giving it much thought, when preparing my email to him I described the injury in Spanish as a “nervio pinchado.” And then I thought about it . . .

How To Say Pinched Nerve In Spanish

And I asked myself is “nervio pinchado” really the correct term in Spanish for pinched nerve? Or am I just making a literal translation?

So I went on-line and visited some of the forums for foreign language learners and I discovered that there are several phrases that Spanish speakers use in order to say pinched nerve:

1. Nervio pellizcado
2. Nervio pinchado
3. Compresión del nervio

Before you go, I have more Spanish words that I want to share with you. I have found them helpful to know for anyone who practices any type of contact sport — and for anyone who has small children or grandchildren who play and fall, and have a tendency to get bumps and bruises.

How To Say Bruise In Spanish

1. Morado – bruise

Después de la pelea, el boxeador tenía la cara cubierta de morados.
After the fight, the boxer had a face covered with bruises.

2. Moretón – bruise

Después de caerse, el niño tenía un moretón en la frente.
After falling, the boy had a bruise on his forehead.

In Colombia, the word that I hear used for bruise is “morado.” “Morado” literally means “purple.” I checked with one of the LSLC instructors from Mexico and she said that the word “moretón” is the word that is commonly used in Mexico for “bruise.”

How To Say Lump, Bump or Knot In Spanish

3. Chichón – lump, bump, knot (that one would receive after being hit or struck).

Tienes un gran chichón en la cabeza.
You have big lump on your head.

How To Say Black Eye in Spanish

4. Chipote – lump, bump, knot (that one would receive after being hit or struck).

In Colombia, the word that I hear used for lump or bump is “chichón.” I checked with the same LSLC instructor from Mexico and she said that the word “chipote” is a little more commonly used in Mexico than “chichón.”

5. Ojo morado – black eye (“ojo morado” literally means “purple eye).