A simple storybook illustration showing a tiny, vulnerable yellow character huddled on the ground, shrinking away from three large, dark, and imposing abstract shapes that loom aggressively over it.

acoso

ah-KOH-soh

harassment?Unwanted, aggressive pressure or behavior,bullying?Aggressive behavior, especially among students (acoso escolar)

Also:stalking?Obsessive following/pursuit,mobbing?Group bullying, often in a workplace

📝 In Action

El acoso escolar es un problema grave que afecta a muchos jóvenes.

School bullying is a serious problem that affects many young people.

Ella denunció acoso en su lugar de trabajo después de meses de comentarios inapropiados.

She reported harassment in her workplace after months of inappropriate comments.

El acoso cibernético (ciberacoso) se realiza a través de internet.

Cyberbullying (cyber-harassment) is carried out through the internet.

Word Connections

Synonyms

intimidación (intimidation)
hostigamiento (harassment/molestation)

Antonyms

respeto (respect)
tranquilidad (peace/calm)

Common Collocations

acoso sexual – sexual harassment
sufrir acoso – to suffer harassment/bullying
denuncia de acoso – harassment complaint

💡 Grammar Points

Gender and Articles

Since 'acoso' is a masculine noun, it always uses masculine articles like 'el' or 'un', even if the victim or the harasser is female. (e.g., 'El acoso es inaceptable').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing up the Noun and the Verb

Mistake: "Using *acosar* (the verb form, meaning 'to harass') when you need the noun: *Él es víctima de acosar.*"

Correction: Use the noun: *Él es víctima de acoso.* (He is a victim of harassment.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Specific Types of Acoso

To be specific, use modifying adjectives: 'acoso laboral' (workplace bullying), 'acoso inmobiliario' (harassment by a landlord), or 'ciberacoso' (cyberbullying).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: acoso

Question 1 of 2

Which Spanish phrase correctly refers to harassment that happens online?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

acosar(to harass/to bully) - verb

acosador(harasser/bully (male)) - noun

acosadora(harasser/bully (female)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'acoso' and 'hostigamiento'?

They are very similar synonyms, both meaning harassment. 'Acoso' often implies a more persistent, long-term, and serious psychological pursuit (especially in contexts like bullying or stalking). 'Hostigamiento' can sometimes refer to immediate annoyance or pressure, but in legal contexts, they are frequently used together or interchangeably.