tortura
“tortura” means “torture” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
torture
Also: torment
📝 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.
ordeal
Also: a pain
📝 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.
(he/she/it) tortures
Also: (you, informal) torture!
📝 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!
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tortura
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tortura' in its figurative, less serious sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *tortūra*, meaning 'a twisting' or 'wringing,' which itself derived from the verb *torquēre* (to twist). Over time, this concept of twisting evolved into causing extreme physical or mental stress.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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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.'