Inklingo

How to Say "collision" in Spanish

English → Spanish

choque

CHOH-keh/ˈtʃo.ke/

nounA1general
Use 'choque' for a general physical collision or accident, especially between vehicles or objects, emphasizing the event of impact itself.
A simple illustration showing the front bumpers of two small, colorful cars slightly touching after a minor impact.

Examples

El choque entre los dos coches fue muy fuerte.

The collision between the two cars was very strong.

Llamaron a la policía después del choque.

They called the police after the crash.

El choque frontal dejó a los conductores heridos.

The head-on collision left the drivers injured.

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'choque' is always a masculine word, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Confusing 'choque' and 'chocar'

Mistake: “Using 'yo choque' when you mean 'yo choqué' (I crashed).”

Correction: 'Choque' is the noun (the crash itself). Use the verb 'chocar' (to crash) for actions.

impacto

/eem-PAHK-toh//imˈpakto/

nounA2general
Use 'impacto' when referring to the force or effect of a crash, often highlighting the damage or the consequence of the collision.
A bright red rubber ball colliding forcefully with a solid blue wall, captured precisely at the moment of physical contact and deformation, surrounded by a splash of white energy.

Examples

El conductor sobrevivió al impacto frontal, pero el coche quedó destrozado.

The driver survived the frontal impact, but the car was destroyed.

Los científicos analizaron el impacto de la roca contra la superficie.

The scientists analyzed the impact of the rock against the surface.

Choque vs. Impacto

Learners often confuse 'choque' and 'impacto'. Remember that 'choque' refers more to the event of the collision itself, while 'impacto' focuses on the force or the resulting damage.

Related Translations

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