Confusing the Noun and the Verb

'Ataque' is a masculine noun, even though it ends in 'e'. So, you always use 'el' or 'un' with it, like 'el ataque' (the attack) or 'un ataque' (an attack).

Is it 'el' or 'la'?

This word is very flexible. You'll hear it for a military action, a sharp criticism in a debate, a forward move in a soccer game, or a medical emergency like a heart attack.

From War to Sports

Extremely common, used in contexts from news reports and sports to everyday conversation.

To say what kind of 'fit' it is, you just add 'de' plus the noun describing it. For example, 'ataque de tos' (fit of coughing) or 'ataque de pánico' (fit of panic).

Using 'de' to Specify

This meaning is almost always used for things related to the body or feelings, like an illness, a strong emotion (laughter, anger), or a psychological state (panic).

Medical and Emotional

Very common for describing sudden medical or emotional episodes.

'Ataque' is the form of 'atacar' used after certain trigger phrases like 'quiero que...' (I want that...), 'espero que...' (I hope that...), or to give a formal command.

What is this verb form?

Notice how the 'c' in 'atacar' changes to 'qu' in 'ataque'. This happens to keep the hard 'k' sound. If it were 'atace', it would sound like /ah-TAH-seh/.

Spelling Change Alert: c → qu

Common in sentences expressing wishes, doubts, or commands using the verb 'atacar'.

Learn the full meaning of the Spanish word 'ataque'. Understand its use as 'attack', 'fit', or 'bout', and see verb conjugations from 'atacar'. Includes examples, common phrases, and quizzes.

ataque

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations