trastorno
“trastorno” means “disorder” in Spanish (medical or psychological condition).
disorder, inconvenience
Also: upset, upheaval
📝 In Action
El psicólogo diagnosticó un trastorno de ansiedad.
B1The psychologist diagnosed an anxiety disorder.
Perder el tren fue un gran trastorno para nuestro viaje.
B2Missing the train was a big inconvenience for our trip.
La nueva ley provocó un trastorno en el mercado inmobiliario.
C1The new law caused an upheaval in the real estate market.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: trastorno
Question 1 of 3
Which phrase would you use to describe a problem with sleeping?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish prefix 'tras-' (meaning across or over) and 'tornar' (to turn). It literally describes the act of 'turning something over' or upside down.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'trastorno' a 'false friend' (cognate)?
Not exactly. It translates well to 'disorder' in medical contexts, but in daily life, it often translates to 'inconvenience' or 'nuisance', which 'disorder' doesn't usually do in English.
Can I use 'trastorno' for a broken object?
No. Use it for systems, plans, health, or mental states. If a chair is broken, it's 'roto', not a 'trastorno'.
What is the difference between 'trastorno' and 'molestia'?
'Molestia' is a minor annoyance (like a fly). 'Trastorno' implies a bigger disruption that actually changes your plans or how something functions.