bronca
“bronca” means “scolding” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
scolding, row
Also: telling off, fight
📝 In Action
Mi jefe me echó una bronca por llegar tarde.
B1My boss gave me a scolding for arriving late.
Hubo una bronca tremenda en la calle anoche.
B1There was a huge row in the street last night.
No busques bronca con él, que hoy está de mal humor.
B2Don't look for a fight with him; he's in a bad mood today.
anger, frustration
Also: grudge
📝 In Action
Me da bronca que siempre mienta.
B2It makes me angry that he always lies.
Le tengo bronca desde aquel día.
B2I've had a grudge against him since that day.
¡Qué bronca! Se me rompió el teléfono.
B1How frustrating! My phone broke.
harsh, hoarse
Also: rough
📝 In Action
Hablaba con una voz bronca y profunda.
C1He spoke with a harsh and deep voice.
La superficie era bronca al tacto.
C2The surface was rough to the touch.
Escuché una risa bronca al final del pasillo.
C2I heard a coarse laugh at the end of the hallway.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: bronca
Question 1 of 3
If your boss is unhappy with your work and yells at you, what did he do?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely from the word 'bronco' (rough/wild), which comes from Latin roots meaning something unpolished or a wild thicket.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bronca' a bad word?
No, it is not a swear word. It is informal and can be used in most casual settings, though in a very formal business meeting you might use 'reprimenda' instead.
Can I use 'bronca' to mean a physical fight?
Yes, it can refer to a brawl or a scuffle, especially when using the phrase 'armarse una bronca' (a fight broke out).
What is the difference between 'enojo' and 'bronca'?
'Enojo' is the standard word for anger. 'Bronca' is more informal and often implies a mix of anger and frustration or a long-standing grudge.