Spanish Phrase
Describe cómo se sienten los síntomas.
Meaning
The sentence asks the listener—usually a patient—to give a detailed account of the way their symptoms feel, focusing on the subjective sensation rather than just naming the symptom.
When to use
Use this phrase in medical consultations, health surveys, or any situation where a professional needs a patient’s personal description of their symptoms. It is especially common in Spanish‑speaking clinics where the doctor addresses the patient formally (Usted).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Describecómosesientenlossíntomas.
Imperative (Usted) of describir
"Describe" is the formal imperative form of the verb describir, used to politely ask someone to give a description.
Interrogative adverb "cómo"
"cómo" means "how" and introduces a question about the manner or way something occurs.
Reflexive pronoun "se"
"se" is the third‑person reflexive pronoun that pairs with sentir to form "sentirse" (to feel).
Present indicative "sienten"
"sienten" is the third‑person plural present indicative of sentir, agreeing with the plural noun "síntomas".
Definite article "los"
"los" is the masculine plural definite article that matches the noun "síntomas".
Noun "síntomas"
"síntomas" is a masculine plural noun meaning "symptoms".
🗨In Conversation
Describe cómo se sienten los síntomas.
Describe how the symptoms feel.
Siento un dolor punzante en el pecho y una sensación de mareo constante.
I feel a stabbing pain in my chest and a constant dizzy sensation.
✕Common Mistakes
Describe cómo se siente los síntomas.
Verb must agree with the plural noun "síntomas"; use "sienten".
Describe como se sienten los síntomas.
Missing accent; "cómo" is required for the interrogative adverb.
Describe cómo se sienten el síntomas.
Article must match the plural noun; use "los" instead of "el".
↔Alternatives
Cuéntame cómo te sientes.
Tell me how you feel.
Explícame la naturaleza de los síntomas que experimentas.
Explain the nature of the symptoms you are experiencing.
¿Podrías detallar la forma en que percibes los síntomas?
Could you detail the way you perceive the symptoms?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries doctors address patients with the formal "Usted" and use polite imperatives like "Describe...". It’s also common to ask for a "descripción detallada" of the symptoms, because the exact sensation (dolor punzante, hormigueo, presión, etc.) helps narrow down a diagnosis. Avoid overly colloquial terms in a clinical setting; instead, use precise medical vocabulary such as "dolor", "sensación de ardor", "entumecimiento", etc.