Inklingo

How to Say "commotion" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alboroto

/al-bo-RO-to//alβoˈɾoto/

nounB1general
Use 'alboroto' for a general, often noisy, disturbance, especially one caused by excited or unruly people or animals.
A colorful illustration showing three simple cartoon farm animals—a pig, a chicken, and a sheep—running away chaotically in different directions, suggesting a sudden disturbance or commotion.

Examples

Los niños armaron un alboroto en el patio de recreo.

The children caused a commotion in the playground.

Hubo tanto alboroto en la calle que no pude dormir.

There was so much noise (racket) in the street that I couldn't sleep.

El director tuvo que intervenir para detener el alboroto que se había formado.

The principal had to intervene to stop the uproar that had developed.

Gender Check

'Alboroto' is a masculine noun, so always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'El alboroto fue terrible' (The racket was terrible).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'alboroto' when you mean the action of making noise, which is 'alborotar.'”

Correction: Use 'alboroto' for the noise itself (the thing), and 'alborotar' (to cause a disturbance) for the action: 'Él alborota' (He causes a disturbance).

conmoción

/kon-mo-SYON//konmoˈsjon/

nounB2general
Choose 'conmoción' when the commotion refers to a state of shock, upheaval, or strong emotional disturbance, often caused by significant news or events.
A person sitting with their hands over their heart, looking surprised and wide-eyed.

Examples

La noticia de su renuncia causó una gran conmoción en la oficina.

The news of his resignation caused a great shock in the office.

Hubo una conmoción en la calle tras el accidente.

There was a commotion in the street after the accident.

Identifying Feminine Words

Most words ending in '-ción' are feminine, so you should use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Don't confuse with just 'emotion'

Mistake: “Using 'conmoción' for any feeling.”

Correction: Use 'conmoción' only for very strong, jarring shocks or public disturbances; use 'emoción' for general feelings.

ruido

RWE-do/ˈrwiðo/

nounB1general
Use 'ruido' specifically when the commotion refers to a lot of public talk, debate, or fuss, particularly in media or political contexts.
A small group of cartoon people arguing loudly and looking agitated, illustrating public controversy.

Examples

El nuevo proyecto del gobierno causó mucho ruido en la prensa.

The government's new project caused a lot of fuss in the press.

No hagas ruido por algo tan pequeño.

Don't make a fuss over something so small.

Su renuncia fue un ruido mediático que duró una semana.

His resignation was a media uproar that lasted one week.

Figurative Use

In this context, 'ruido' is often used with words like 'político' or 'mediático' to mean general disturbance or drama, not necessarily actual loud sounds.

Alboroto vs. Conmoción

Learners often confuse 'alboroto' and 'conmoción'. Remember that 'alboroto' is for physical, often playful or unruly, disturbances, while 'conmoción' implies a deeper emotional or societal impact, like shock or upheaval.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.