“fatiga”
Meaning: Tiredness (most regions); asthma or acute dyspnea (Caribbean)
Formal Clinical Spanish
asma, disnea (Caribbean) / cansancio (elsewhere)
Regional Usage
Caribbeanfatiga • tengo fatiga
Mexicocansancio • fatiga
Central Americacansancio
South Americacansancio • fatiga
Critical Translation Trap
In Caribbean Spanish, 'fatiga' can mean shortness of breath or an asthma attack as well as tiredness — ask which they mean before assuming either.
Clinical & Cultural Notes
- CRITICAL regional trap: A Puerto Rican or Cuban patient saying 'tengo fatiga' may be reporting acute respiratory distress, not tiredness.
- In non-Caribbean populations, fatiga does mean tiredness/exhaustion.
- Always clarify: '¿Tiene dificultad para respirar?' (Are you having difficulty breathing?)
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