Inklingo

How to Say "bullying" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “bullying” is “acoso” — use 'acoso' when referring to the act of bullying itself, especially in an institutional or repeated-behavior context like school or the workplace..

English → Spanish

acoso

/ah-KOH-soh//aˈko.so/

nounB2general
Use 'acoso' when referring to the act of bullying itself, especially in an institutional or repeated-behavior context like school or the workplace.
A simple storybook illustration showing a tiny, vulnerable yellow character huddled on the ground, shrinking away from three large, dark, and imposing abstract shapes that loom aggressively over it.

Examples

El acoso escolar es un problema grave que afecta a muchos jóvenes.

School bullying is a serious problem that affects many young people.

Ella denunció acoso en su lugar de trabajo después de meses de comentarios inapropiados.

She reported harassment in her workplace after months of inappropriate comments.

El acoso cibernético (ciberacoso) se realiza a través de internet.

Cyberbullying (cyber-harassment) is carried out through the internet.

Gender and Articles

Since 'acoso' is a masculine noun, it always uses masculine articles like 'el' or 'un', even if the victim or the harasser is female. (e.g., 'El acoso es inaceptable').

Mixing up the Noun and the Verb

Mistake: “Using *acosar* (the verb form, meaning 'to harass') when you need the noun: *Él es víctima de acosar.*”

Correction: Use the noun: *Él es víctima de acoso.* (He is a victim of harassment.)

agresión

nounB2general
Use 'agresión' to describe aggressive actions or attacks, often implying a more direct or physical act, though it can also be verbal, and is frequently paired with 'escolar' for bullying.

Examples

El trabajador denunció una agresión verbal por parte de su jefe.

The worker reported verbal abuse from his boss.

matón

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'matón' to describe a person or their behavior as tough, intimidating, or acting like a bully.

Examples

Llevaba una chaqueta de cuero con un estilo muy matón.

He was wearing a leather jacket with a very tough-looking style.

matones

/mah-TOH-nehs//maˈtones/

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'matones' to describe an attitude or demeanor that is aggressive or intimidating, similar to 'matón' but often referring to a general bearing rather than a specific action.
A large, aggressive dog barking and baring teeth at a smaller, frightened dog.

Examples

No me gustan esos aires matones que tienes hoy.

I don't like those bullying airs you have today.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'matones' is plural and masculine, the things it describes (like 'aires' or 'hombres') must also be plural and masculine.

Acoso vs. Agresión for Bullying

Learners often confuse 'acoso' and 'agresión'. Remember that 'acoso' generally refers to the ongoing act of bullying, especially in contexts like school or workplace harassment. 'Agresión' leans more towards specific aggressive actions or attacks, though it can be used for bullying (agresión escolar).

Related Translations

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