Estornudar is a verb in Spanish.
/phs̬toɾnuˈðaɾ/
Estornudar refers to the act of expelling air from the nose and mouth suddenly, often as a reflex to clear the nasal passages of irritants. It is most commonly used in everyday conversation, especially in contexts related to health, allergies, and respiratory issues.
The frequency of use tends to be moderate since it often arises in discussions about colds, flu, or allergies. It is used in both oral and written contexts, though you might find it more frequently in casual, spoken conversations.
El polvo en la habitación me hace estornudar.
The dust in the room makes me sneeze.
Cuando estornudar, siempre cubro mi boca con el codo.
When I sneeze, I always cover my mouth with my elbow.
¿Por qué estornudaste en medio de la reunión?
Why did you sneeze in the middle of the meeting?
While the verb "estornudar" itself does not commonly appear in a variety of idiomatic expressions, it does have some related usages. Here are a few phrases where it is included:
Estornudar en la cara de alguien.
To sneeze in someone's face.
This expression refers to a breach of personal space or manners, often viewed as disrespectful.
Estornudar para despejarse la nariz.
To sneeze to clear one's nose.
Used in a context where someone sneezes to relieve nasal congestion, often in the context of feeling unwell.
No puedo evitar estornudar en primavera.
I can’t help but sneeze in spring.
This relates to seasonal allergies that cause frequent sneezing.
The verb "estornudar" comes from the Latin word sternutare, which also means "to sneeze." The root sternu- is related to sneezing actions.
Synonyms:
- Toser (to cough)
- Explotar (to blast in a different context related to sudden actions)
Antonyms:
- Contener (to hold back)
Overall, "estornudar" is a straightforward verb capturing a natural human response, often discussed in the context of health and general well-being.