How to Say "collapse" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “collapse” is “colapso” — use 'colapso' when referring to a system, structure, or physical entity failing or breaking down, often suddenly..
colapso
/ko-LAP-so//koˈlapso/
Examples
Hubo un colapso total del tráfico en el centro.
There was a total traffic jam in the center.
El sistema de salud está al borde del colapso.
The healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.
La burbuja inmobiliaria provocó un colapso económico.
The housing bubble caused an economic crash.
El atleta sufrió un colapso debido al calor.
The athlete suffered a collapse due to the heat.
Always Masculine
This word is always masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it, regardless of what is collapsing.
Don't confuse with the verb
Mistake: “El tráfico colapso.”
Correction: El tráfico colapsó (verb) or Hubo un colapso (noun).
colapso
/ko-LAP-so//koˈlapso/
Examples
El atleta sufrió un colapso debido al calor.
The athlete suffered a collapse due to the heat.
Hubo un colapso total del tráfico en el centro.
There was a total traffic jam in the center.
El sistema de salud está al borde del colapso.
The healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.
La burbuja inmobiliaria provocó un colapso económico.
The housing bubble caused an economic crash.
Always Masculine
This word is always masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it, regardless of what is collapsing.
Don't confuse with the verb
Mistake: “El tráfico colapso.”
Correction: El tráfico colapsó (verb) or Hubo un colapso (noun).
quiebra
/KYEH-brah//ˈkje.βɾa/
Examples
La aerolínea se declaró en quiebra después de la crisis.
The airline declared bankruptcy after the crisis.
Muchos negocios pequeños temen la quiebra.
Many small businesses fear bankruptcy.
Using the word 'en'
To say a company is 'bankrupt,' Spanish uses the phrase 'en quiebra' (in bankruptcy) rather than using it as a simple adjective.
Quiebra vs. Bancarrota
Mistake: “Using 'bancarrota' exclusively.”
Correction: While 'bancarrota' is understood, 'quiebra' is the more standard legal and professional term in most Spanish-speaking countries.
System vs. Financial Failure
Related Translations
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