Inklingo

How to Say "accident" in Spanish

English → Spanish

accidente

/ak-see-DEN-tay//ak.siˈðen.te/

NounA2General
Use 'accidente' for physical mishaps, collisions, or unfortunate events that cause harm or damage.
A simple illustration of a minor traffic accident where two cartoon cars have lightly bumped each other on a street, showing surprise but no severe damage.

Examples

Tuve un pequeño accidente en la cocina y me quemé la mano.

I had a little accident in the kitchen and burned my hand.

El tráfico está terrible por un accidente en la autopista.

The traffic is terrible because of an accident on the highway.

Fue un accidente, no lo hizo a propósito.

It was an accident, he didn't do it on purpose.

It's a Masculine Word

Even though 'accidente' ends in '-e', it's a masculine word. Always say 'el accidente' or 'un accidente'.

'Tener' vs. 'Sufrir'

Mistake: “You can say 'tener un accidente' (to have an accident), which is very common. But for more serious events, you might hear 'sufrir un accidente'.”

Correction: 'Sufrir un accidente' adds a sense of seriousness, like saying 'to suffer an accident'. Example: 'Sufrió un grave accidente.' (He suffered a serious accident.)

casualidad

/kah-soo-ah-lee-DADH//kaswaliˈðað/

nounA2General
Use 'casualidad' when referring to a coincidence or a non-intentional event that is not a physical crash, often implying surprise.
A high-quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing two distinct characters, one wearing a green hat and the other a blue scarf, looking surprised as they unexpectedly bump shoulders while walking on a path, symbolizing a coincidence.

Examples

¡Qué casualidad! Estaba pensando en ti.

What a coincidence! I was just thinking about you.

Encontré las llaves perdidas por pura casualidad.

I found the lost keys purely by chance.

Si ves a mi hermano, ¿podrías decirle que me llame? Solo si es casualidad.

If you see my brother, could you tell him to call me? Only if it’s by chance.

The 'By Chance' Expression

To say that something happened 'by chance' or 'accidentally,' always use the fixed expression 'por casualidad.' This is a key phrase to memorize.

Casualidad vs. Accidente

Mistake: “Using 'casualidad' to mean a car crash or a physical injury.”

Correction: Use 'accidente' for crashes or physical mishaps. 'Casualidad' refers only to an unpredicted event or coincidence: 'Tuvimos un accidente de coche' (We had a car accident).

acaso

/ah-CAH-soh//aˈkaso/

nounC1General
Use 'acaso' to describe a random or chance event, emphasizing that it was not planned or deliberate.
A brightly colored red bouncy ball and a single yellow flower petal have fallen simultaneously and landed side-by-side on a patch of green grass, illustrating a random coincidence.

Examples

Todo fue obra del acaso, no de la planeación.

Everything was the work of chance, not planning.

Si lo consigues, será por acaso.

If you get it, it will be by chance.

Fixed Phrase

The most common way to use 'acaso' as a noun is in the prepositional phrase 'por acaso', meaning 'by chance' or 'accidentally'. (Note: This is often replaced by 'por casualidad').

siniestro

/see-nee-ESS-troh//siˈnjestɾo/

nounB2Formal, Insurance
Use 'siniestro' specifically in the context of insurance claims to refer to a traffic accident, damage, or loss covered by a policy.
A small blue car that has bumped into a wooden fence, showing a slight dent.

Examples

El seguro no cubrirá el siniestro si el conductor estaba bebido.

The insurance won't cover the accident if the driver was drunk.

Tras el incendio, el edificio fue declarado siniestro total.

After the fire, the building was declared a total loss.

Hubo varios siniestros en la carretera debido a la lluvia.

There were several accidents on the road due to the rain.

Always Masculine

When used as a noun meaning 'accident,' it is always masculine: 'el siniestro'.

Formal vs. Informal

Mistake: “Saying 'tuve un siniestro' to a friend.”

Correction: While correct, it sounds very 'insurance-speak.' Say 'tuve un accidente' in casual conversation.

Accidente vs. Casualidad

The most common confusion is between 'accidente' and 'casualidad'. Remember, 'accidente' refers to a mishap or crash, often with negative physical consequences. 'Casualidad' means coincidence and is used for surprising, non-intentional encounters or events.

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