desastre
/deh-SAHS-treh/
disaster
Desastre can refer to a natural catastrophe, like a devastating flood or earthquake.
desastre(noun)
disaster
?natural catastrophe or serious failure
catastrophe
?major tragedy
,calamity
?great misfortune
📝 In Action
El terremoto causó un desastre natural en la región.
A2The earthquake caused a natural disaster in the region.
La reunión fue un completo desastre; nadie estaba preparado.
B1The meeting was a complete disaster; nobody was prepared.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Even though 'desastre' ends in an '-e,' it is always a masculine noun, meaning you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "La desastre fue terrible."
Correction: El desastre fue terrible. (Use the masculine article 'el'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Adjectives
This word is frequently used with adjectives like 'total,' 'completo,' or 'absoluto' to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.
Desastre also means 'mess,' describing a state of extreme disorganization.
desastre(noun)
mess
?a state of disorganization or failure
trainwreck
?a person who is incompetent or disorganized
,shambles
?a highly messy situation
📝 In Action
Mi habitación es un desastre; necesito limpiarla urgente.
A2My room is a mess; I urgently need to clean it.
Ella es un desastre con las finanzas, siempre está en números rojos.
B1She is a disaster (a mess/terrible) with finances; she is always in the red.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Ser' for Description
When describing a person's constant incompetence or habitual lack of organization, use the verb 'ser': 'Es un desastre' (He/She is a disaster).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing 'Ser' and 'Estar'
Mistake: "Mi casa está un desastre. (Suggests a temporary state, but 'desastre' often implies a permanent description.)"
Correction: Mi casa es un desastre. (Use 'ser' if the house is always messy.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Informal Insult
Calling someone 'un desastre' is a common, slightly affectionate way to call them disorganized, forgetful, or generally inept at something (like cooking or scheduling).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: desastre
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'desastre' in the figurative sense of describing a person?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'desastre' masculine even though it ends in -e?
Many Spanish nouns ending in -e can be either masculine or feminine. 'Desastre' follows the rule for most nouns of Greek origin ending in -ma, -pa, or -ta (like problema or planeta), which are masculine, although 'desastre' is its own exception and must be learned as 'el desastre'.
¿Desastre means only natural catastrophes?
No. While it can mean a natural disaster (earthquake, flood), it is used just as often to describe major failures in plans, meetings, parties, or even to call a person or object extremely messy or incompetent.