escándalo
“escándalo” means “scandal” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
scandal
Also: shocking affair, outrage
📝 In Action
El periódico publicó los detalles del escándalo de corrupción.
B1The newspaper published the details of the corruption scandal.
Su divorcio causó un gran escándalo en la alta sociedad.
B2Her divorce caused a great scandal in high society.
uproar, racket
Also: fuss
📝 In Action
¡Bajen la voz! Están haciendo mucho escándalo.
A2Lower your voices! You are making a lot of noise/racket.
El perro ladró y el escándalo despertó a todo el barrio.
B1The dog barked and the commotion woke up the entire neighborhood.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "escándalo" in Spanish:
shocking affair→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: escándalo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'escándalo' to mean 'loud noise'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Late Latin term *scandalum*, which meant 'stumbling block' or 'cause for offense.' This was borrowed from the ancient Greek word *skándalon*, which referred to a trap or a snare. The meaning evolved over time to refer to the offense or shock caused by the trap, eventually leading to the modern sense of moral outrage or public fuss.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (around 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'escándalo' masculine or feminine?
'Escándalo' is a masculine noun, so you always use the article 'el' before it: 'el escándalo', 'un escándalo'.
Does 'escándalo' always refer to a bad thing?
Yes, generally. Whether it means loud noise or a moral transgression, it always carries a negative connotation of disruption, excess, or offense. However, sometimes people use it jokingly to mean 'unbelievable' or 'amazing,' but that is highly informal.