Inklingo

How to Say "collision" in Spanish

English → Spanish

choque

CHOH-kehˈtʃo.ke

nounA1general
Use 'choque' for a general physical impact or accident, especially when referring to vehicles colliding. It's a very common and versatile term.
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-tohimˈpakto

nounA2general
Use 'impacto' to emphasize the force or consequence of a crash, often implying a significant physical impact or the resulting damage.
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.

colisión

nounB1formal
Use 'colisión' for a more formal or technical term referring to the act of two or more things hitting each other, common in news reports or official statements.

Examples

Hubo una colisión entre dos coches en la esquina.

There was a collision between two cars on the corner.

Choque vs. Colisión

Learners often confuse 'choque' and 'colisión'. While both mean collision, 'choque' is more common in everyday speech for vehicle accidents, whereas 'colisión' sounds more formal or technical. Think of 'choque' as the go-to for general impact and 'colisión' for a more specific, often reported, event.

Related Translations

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