Inklingo

How to Say "carnage" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “carnage” is “carnicería” — use 'carnicería' when emphasizing the widespread destruction and chaos, often implying a messy and brutal scene, like a battlefield or a disaster site.

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carnicería

nounB2general
Use 'carnicería' when emphasizing the widespread destruction and chaos, often implying a messy and brutal scene, like a battlefield or a disaster site.

Examples

La persecución se convirtió en una carnicería.

The chase turned into carnage.

masacre

mah-SAH-krehmaˈsakɾe

nounB2general
Choose 'masacre' when referring to a large-scale killing of people or animals, often with a sense of deliberate brutality or a significant, often public, event.
A row of fallen chess pieces on a board, symbolizing a great loss.

Examples

La noticia de la masacre conmocionó al país.

The news of the massacre shocked the country.

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

mah-TAHN-sahmaˈtanθa

nounB1general
Use 'matanza' for the act or result of killing, especially when it involves a large number of animals (like in a slaughterhouse or for hunting) or a historical event of killing, often less focused on the chaotic scene and more on the outcome.
A row of fallen chess pieces on a board, symbolizing a heavy defeat.

Examples

Fue una matanza de animales para obtener sus pieles.

It was a slaughter of animals for their skins.

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).

Carnicería vs. Masacre vs. Matanza

Learners often confuse 'carnicería' and 'masacre'. Remember that 'carnicería' highlights the chaotic destruction, while 'masacre' specifically denotes a large-scale killing. 'Matanza' is broader and can apply to animal slaughter or historical killings.

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