Inklingo

How to Say "ambush" in Spanish

English → Spanish

emboscada

/em-bos-KAH-dah//em-bosˈkaða/

nounB1general
Use 'emboscada' when referring to a surprise attack, typically by an enemy or hostile group, from a hidden position.
A small group of friendly cartoon characters hiding behind large trees and bushes, waiting to surprise a friend.

Examples

Los soldados cayeron en una emboscada en el bosque.

The soldiers fell into an ambush in the forest.

La policía preparó una emboscada para atrapar al ladrón.

The police set a trap to catch the thief.

Siento que esta reunión fue una emboscada para criticar mi trabajo.

I feel like this meeting was a setup to criticize my work.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it, regardless of who is being ambushed.

Emboscada vs. Trampa

Mistake: “Using 'emboscada' for a mouse trap.”

Correction: Use 'trampa' for mechanical devices. Use 'emboscada' for situations where people are hiding to surprise someone.

encerrada

/en-seh-RAH-dah//enθeˈraða/

nounB2informal
Use 'encerrada' for a situation where someone is deliberately cornered or forced into a meeting or conversation, often by friends or family, to discuss something they've been avoiding.
A wooden box propped up by a stick with a piece of cheese underneath it.

Examples

Mis amigos me hicieron una encerrada para que hablara con mi ex.

My friends set a trap for me so I would talk to my ex.

Using 'Hacer'

When this word is a noun meaning 'a setup,' it is almost always used with the verb 'hacer' (to make/to do).

Confusing Military vs. Social 'Ambush'

The most common mistake is using 'emboscada' for social situations. Remember, 'emboscada' is for surprise attacks, often involving danger, while 'encerrada' is for planned, confrontational social meetings. Don't use 'emboscada' to describe being cornered by friends!

Related Translations

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