How to Say "absurdity" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “absurdity” is “absurdo” — use 'absurdo' to describe a situation, statement, or system that is illogical, unreasonable, or nonsensical.
absurdo
ahb-SOOR-dohaβˈsuɾðo
Examples
El absurdo de la burocracia nos hizo esperar cinco horas.
The absurdity of the bureaucracy made us wait five hours.
El escritor exploró el tema del absurdo en su última novela.
The writer explored the theme of the absurd in his last novel.
Use with Articles
When used as a noun, it almost always takes the masculine singular article 'el' (el absurdo) or 'un' (un absurdo).
disparate
dis-pah-RAH-tehdis.paˈɾa.te
Examples
¡Lo que estás diciendo es un disparate!
What you are saying is nonsense!
Comprar esa casa vieja por ese precio es un disparate.
Buying that old house for that price is a crazy idea.
No digas más disparates y dime la verdad.
Stop talking nonsense and tell me the truth.
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'e', this word is always masculine. You must use 'el' or 'un' before it (el disparate).
Working with Action Words
This word is most often paired with 'decir' (to say) or 'hacer' (to do). You 'say a disparate' when you talk nonsense, and you 'do a disparate' when you make a crazy mistake.
The 'Different' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'disparate' to mean 'different' or 'diverse' because it looks like the English word.”
Correction: In Spanish, 'disparate' means nonsense. If you want to say 'different,' use 'diferente' or 'distinto'.
Missing the Article
Mistake: “Saying 'Es disparate.'”
Correction: Say 'Es un disparate.' Spanish usually requires the 'a' (un) when labeling something as nonsense.
Absurdo vs. Disparate
Related Translations
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