How to Say "brutal" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “brutal” is “brutal” — use 'brutal' when referring to extreme cruelty, harshness, or violence, often in a physical or direct manner..
brutal
broo-TAHL/bɾuˈtal/
Examples
La policía usó una fuerza brutal contra los manifestantes.
The police used brutal force against the protesters.
El invierno en Siberia es brutal, con temperaturas bajo cero.
Winter in Siberia is harsh (brutal), with temperatures below zero.
Adjective Placement
Like many Spanish adjectives that describe a permanent quality, 'brutal' usually goes after the noun it describes (e.g., 'un calor brutal').
cruel
/kroo-EL//kɾuˈel/
Examples
El dictador era conocido por sus métodos crueles.
The dictator was known for his cruel methods.
La vida a veces puede ser muy cruel e injusta.
Life can sometimes be very harsh and unfair.
Fue un comentario cruel que hirió sus sentimientos.
It was a cruel comment that hurt her feelings.
Gender is Invariable
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'cruel' is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. You say 'el hombre cruel' (the cruel man) and 'la mujer cruel' (the cruel woman).
Forgetting the Plural
Mistake: “Los jefes cruel.”
Correction: The correct plural is 'crueles': Los jefes crueles. Adjectives ending in a consonant add '-es' to become plural.
salvaje
/sal-VA-he//salˈβaxe/
Examples
Hubo una protesta salvaje en la ciudad, con muchos disturbios.
There was a fierce/violent protest in the city, with many disturbances.
Su reacción fue tan salvaje que nadie supo qué hacer.
His reaction was so brutal/uncivilized that nobody knew what to do.
Adverb Form
To say something happened 'wildly' or 'savagely,' you add '-mente' to the feminine form: 'salvajemente'.
mortal
/mor-TAL//moɾˈtal/
Examples
El chiste que contó fue mortal, lloré de la risa.
The joke he told was hilarious, I cried laughing.
La subida a la montaña estuvo mortal, casi no llego.
The climb up the mountain was brutal, I almost didn't make it.
Brutal vs. Cruel vs. Salvaje
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