tortura
/tor-TOO-ra/
torture
When tortura means 'torture,' it refers to the infliction of severe pain.
📝 In Action
La tortura está prohibida por la ley internacional.
B2Torture is prohibited by international law.
El prisionero sufrió años de tortura psicológica.
C1The prisoner suffered years of psychological torment.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Like many Spanish words ending in -a, 'tortura' is feminine, so use 'la' before it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
Although the word is common, its most serious meaning is reserved for formal, legal, or historical discussions.
In the context of a difficult experience, tortura translates to 'ordeal.'
📝 In Action
Hacer la declaración de impuestos es una tortura.
B1Doing the tax return is an ordeal (a torture).
Esperar en esa fila fue una tortura.
A2Waiting in that line was a pain.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
You can use 'tortura' to exaggerate how difficult or boring something is, similar to saying 'It's a killer' in English.
Used as a verb in the present tense, tortura means '(he/she/it) tortures.'
tortura(Verb)
(he/she/it) tortures
?present action
(you, informal) torture!
?affirmative command
📝 In Action
Él tortura a sus enemigos con ruido constante.
B1He tortures his enemies with constant noise.
¡No me tortura más con esa canción!
A2Don't torture me anymore with that song!
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -AR Verb
'Torturar' follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar, making it easy to conjugate once you know the basic endings.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Noun and Verb
Mistake: "Using 'la tortura' when you mean 'he tortures' ('él tortura')."
Correction: Remember the noun needs 'la' or 'una'; the verb stands alone after the person doing the action.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tortura
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tortura' in its figurative, less serious sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tortura' always a serious word?
The core meaning is very serious, referring to extreme suffering. However, Spanish speakers often use it conversationally (Definition 2) to humorously exaggerate how difficult or boring a task is, like saying 'It was agony' in English.
How do I know if 'tortura' is the noun or the verb?
If it has 'la' or 'una' before it (la tortura), it is the noun. If it follows a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted' (Él tortura), it is the verb form meaning 'he/she/it tortures.'