ataque
“ataque” means “attack” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
attack
Also: strike, offensive, heart attack
📝 In Action
El castillo sobrevivió al ataque.
A2The castle survived the attack.
El equipo lanzó un ataque rápido y marcó un gol.
B1The team launched a quick attack and scored a goal.
El médico dijo que fue un ataque al corazón.
B1The doctor said it was a heart attack.
Sufrí un ataque verbal inesperado durante el debate.
B2I suffered an unexpected verbal attack during the debate.
fit
Also: bout, spell
📝 In Action
Le dio un ataque de tos en medio de la reunión.
B1He had a coughing fit in the middle of the meeting.
Tuvo un ataque de pánico antes de su presentación.
B1She had a panic attack before her presentation.
Después de escuchar el chiste, me dio un ataque de risa.
B2After hearing the joke, I had a laughing fit.
attack
📝 In Action
No quiero que el perro me ataque.
B1I don't want the dog to attack me.
Es importante que la prensa no ataque su vida privada.
B2It's important that the press doesn't attack his private life.
General, ataque al amanecer.
B2General, attack at dawn.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ataque
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ataque' to mean a medical or emotional episode?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Italian word 'attaccare', which means 'to attach' or 'to join battle'. This itself came from a Germanic root, showing how words can travel across languages and change meaning over time.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'ataque' and 'asalto'?
They are very similar! 'Ataque' is a general word for any kind of attack. 'Asalto' often implies a more direct, physical, and often criminal attack, like a robbery ('asalto a un banco') or a physical assault on a person.
Is 'ataque de nervios' the same as a 'panic attack'?
It can be, but 'ataque de nervios' is a broader cultural term. It can describe a panic attack, but also an intense emotional outburst with crying, shouting, or anger that isn't necessarily a clinical panic attack. It's more of a 'nervous breakdown' or 'fit of nerves'.