Inklingo

How to Say "cruelty" in Spanish

English → Spanish

crueldad

/kroo-el-DAHD//kɾwelˈdað/

nounB1
Use 'crueldad' for the general abstract quality or state of being cruel, or for mild instances of cruelty.
A sad, shivering puppy left outside in a heavy rainstorm with no shelter.

Examples

No entiendo la crueldad de algunas personas.

I don't understand the cruelty of some people.

La película muestra la crueldad de la guerra.

The movie shows the cruelty of war.

Abandonar a una mascota es una gran crueldad.

Abandoning a pet is a great act of cruelty.

The '-dad' Rule

Words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

The English Connection

The ending '-dad' in Spanish usually corresponds to '-ty' in English. This makes it a great pattern for building your vocabulary: Crueldad (Cruelty), Libertad (Liberty), Universidad (University).

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “El crueldad de la situación.”

Correction: La crueldad de la situación. Remember that '-dad' words are feminine!

barbaridad

/bar-bah-ree-DAHD//baɾβaɾiˈðað/

nounC1
Use 'barbaridad' to describe specific, extreme acts of cruelty that are inhumane or savage, often in contexts like war or violence.
A broken, cracked stone statue lying in the grass.

Examples

Las barbaridades cometidas durante la guerra nunca serán olvidadas.

The atrocities committed during the war will never be forgotten.

Tratar así a los animales es una barbaridad.

Treating animals like that is an atrocity.

Plural vs Singular

In this formal sense, the plural 'barbaridades' often refers to specific historical events or multiple acts of violence.

Choosing Between Crueldad and Barbaridad

Learners often confuse these by using 'barbaridad' for any kind of cruelty. Remember that 'barbaridad' specifically denotes extreme, inhumane acts, while 'crueldad' is the broader term for the quality of being cruel.

Related Translations

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