nostalgia

noun nos-TAHL-hyah Rare

Origin: Coined in 1688 from Greek nóstos ('homecoming') + álgos ('pain'), first used as a medical term for homesickness.

Also means

homesickness

Usage Note

Nostalgia is used in Spanish exactly as in English — a sentimental longing for the past — but it also retains a stronger connotation of morriña or homesickness, especially in Latin American usage. The adjective is nostálgico/nostálgica. The verb phrase sentir nostalgia de ('to feel nostalgia for') is more common than a direct verb form.

Examples

"Siento nostalgia cada vez que escucho esa canción."

Natural Translation

I feel nostalgia every time I hear that song.

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