How to Say "crisis" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “crisis” is “crisis” — use 'crisis' for general periods of difficulty or turning points, especially in economic, political, or social contexts..
crisis
KREE-sis/ˈkɾi.sis/
Examples
El país está atravesando una crisis económica muy profunda.
The country is going through a very deep economic crisis.
Mi hermana tuvo una crisis de ansiedad antes de su examen.
My sister had an anxiety attack (crisis) before her exam.
Necesitamos nuevas ideas para salir de esta crisis.
We need new ideas to get out of this crisis.
Gender Rule
Even though 'crisis' ends in '-s', it is a feminine noun, so you must always use 'la' or 'una' before it.
Plural Form Error
Mistake: “Las crisises”
Correction: Las crisis. This noun is special because the plural form is exactly the same as the singular. Only the article ('la' or 'las') changes.
urgencia
/oor-HEN-syah//uɾˈxensja/
Examples
Es una urgencia médica, llame a la ambulancia.
It is a medical emergency, call the ambulance.
Llevamos al abuelo a urgencias.
We took grandpa to the emergency room.
The Plural Hospital Rule
When referring to the hospital department (the ER), Spanish speakers almost always use the plural form 'urgencias' instead of the singular.
tormenta
/tor-MEN-ta//toɾˈmenta/
Examples
Su renuncia provocó una tormenta política en el país.
His resignation caused a political storm (crisis) in the country.
Ella tuvo una tormenta de lágrimas después de la noticia.
She had an outburst of tears after the news.
La empresa atraviesa una tormenta financiera.
The company is going through a financial crisis/turmoil.
Figurative Use
This meaning uses 'tormenta' as a strong metaphor, similar to English, to describe chaotic situations or intense feelings.
Crisis vs. Urgencia
Related Translations
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