Inklingo

How to Say "carnage" in Spanish

English → Spanish

matanza

/mah-TAHN-sah//maˈtanθa/

nounB1general
Use 'matanza' when referring to a large-scale killing, especially in historical contexts like wars or significant violent events.
A row of fallen chess pieces on a board, symbolizing a heavy defeat.

Examples

Los historiadores escribieron sobre la matanza ocurrida en la guerra.

The historians wrote about the massacre that happened in the war.

Debemos evitar otra matanza de civiles inocentes.

We must avoid another slaughter of innocent civilians.

Noun Gender

This word ends in -a and is feminine. Always use feminine markers like 'la' or 'una' with it.

Confusion with 'Matar'

Mistake: “Using 'matanza' as a verb.”

Correction: Use 'matar' for the action (to kill) and 'matanza' for the name of the event (the killing).

masacre

/mah-SAH-kreh//maˈsakɾe/

nounB2general
Choose 'masacre' for a more brutal, often deliberate, and widespread slaughter or killing, frequently highlighted in news reports.
A row of fallen chess pieces on a board, symbolizing a great loss.

Examples

Los periódicos informaron sobre la masacre en la frontera.

The newspapers reported on the massacre at the border.

Es necesario recordar la historia para no repetir una masacre así.

It is necessary to remember history so as not to repeat such a massacre.

Gender Alert

Even though it ends in 'e', 'masacre' is a feminine noun. You must use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Matanza vs. Masacre

Learners often confuse 'matanza' and 'masacre' because both mean 'carnage.' Remember that 'matanza' is generally for large-scale historical events, while 'masacre' emphasizes a more horrific and deliberate act of killing.

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