terremoto
/tehr-reh-MOH-toh/
earthquake
Terremoto, when referring to a natural disaster, means 'earthquake.'
📝 In Action
El terremoto de 1985 destruyó muchos edificios.
A2The 1985 earthquake destroyed many buildings.
Después del terremoto, la gente salió a la calle por seguridad.
B1After the earthquake, people went out into the street for safety.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
'Terremoto' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it, even though it ends in '-o'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Magnitude and Intensity
Mistake: "Un terremoto de 8.0 es muy grande."
Correction: Se dice 'Un sismo de magnitud 8.0'. 'Terremoto' describes the event, 'magnitud' describes the measurement.
⭐ Usage Tips
Strength of Shaking
Use 'temblor' for mild shaking and reserve 'terremoto' for major, destructive shaking.
Terremoto can also be used metaphorically to describe a major 'upheaval' or crisis.
terremoto(noun)
upheaval
?major crisis or change
,force of nature
?extremely energetic/chaotic person
troublemaker
?naughty or restless child
,storm
?describing a chaotic situation
📝 In Action
Ese niño es un terremoto; tiró todos los juguetes al suelo.
B2That kid is a force of nature; he threw all the toys on the floor.
La crisis económica fue un terremoto político en el país.
C1The economic crisis was a political upheaval in the country.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing People
Even when describing a female person, you still use the masculine noun 'el terremoto' because you are referring to the disruptive force, not the person's gender.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
This meaning is used to emphasize the magnitude of a change or the sheer, uncontrollable energy of a person.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: terremoto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'terremoto' in its figurative, non-literal sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'terremoto' and 'temblor'?
'Terremoto' is generally reserved for a severe, destructive earthquake. 'Temblor' (which comes from the verb 'temblar,' meaning 'to shake') is used for milder, less damaging shaking or tremors. Think of 'terremoto' as the big one and 'temblor' as the smaller shake.
Why is 'terremoto' masculine even if it refers to a girl?
When you use 'terremoto' to describe a person (e.g., 'Mi hija es un terremoto'), you are using the noun metaphorically to describe a chaotic force or energy, not the person's gender. Since the noun itself is masculine, it remains 'el terremoto' regardless of who you are talking about.