gritar
/gree-TAHR/
to shout
To speak very loudly is to 'gritar' (shout).
gritar(Verb)
to shout
?to speak very loudly
,to yell
?to speak very loudly
to scream
?often used for high-pitched or panic-induced shouting
📝 In Action
¡No grites! Te puedo oír perfectamente.
A1Don't shout! I can hear you perfectly.
El niño gritó de alegría cuando vio el regalo.
A2The boy yelled with joy when he saw the present.
Están gritando el nombre del ganador desde el escenario.
A2They are shouting the winner's name from the stage.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Commands (Imperative)
To tell someone (tú) to shout, you use '¡Grita!'. To tell them not to shout, you use the negative form, '¡No grites!'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Gritar' and 'Llorar'
Mistake: "Using 'gritar' when you mean 'to cry tears' (llorar)."
Correction: 'Gritar' is only about sound/voice. 'Llorar' is about tears and sadness. 'Ella lloró' (She cried), not 'Ella gritó'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'A' or 'Por' for the object
When shouting a specific message, you usually use 'gritar algo' (shout something). When shouting for a person, use 'gritar a alguien'.
When you voice strong opposition, you 'gritar' (protest).
gritar(Verb)
to protest
?to voice strong opposition
,to demand recognition
?when a problem is obvious and requires attention
to cry out
?figurative expression of need or desperation
📝 In Action
Los ciudadanos salieron a gritar contra la corrupción del gobierno.
B2The citizens went out to protest against the government's corruption.
Su silencio grita su culpabilidad.
C1His silence screams (implies) his guilt.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
In advanced Spanish, 'gritar' can be used with abstract concepts (like silence or necessity) to mean that the concept is extremely obvious or urgent.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: gritar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the figurative meaning of 'gritar' (to demand attention)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'gritar' and 'chillar'?
'Gritar' is the general term for raising your voice loudly (yelling). 'Chillar' is usually higher-pitched, like a shriek or screech, often associated with excitement, fear, or annoyance.
Can 'gritar' be used reflexively (gritarse)?
Yes, 'gritarse' is used when two or more people are shouting at each other: 'Ellos se gritaron toda la noche' (They yelled at each other all night).