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How to Say "disturbance" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “disturbance” is “disturbio” — use this word when referring to a disruption of public peace or order, often involving a crowd or public unrest.

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disturbio

dees-TOOR-byohdisˈtuɾβjo

nounB2general
Use this word when referring to a disruption of public peace or order, often involving a crowd or public unrest.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a chaotic street scene with overturned objects and a crowd of people in the background.

Examples

Hubo un disturbio en la plaza principal ayer.

There was a disturbance in the main square yesterday.

La policía intervino para detener los disturbios callejeros.

The police intervened to stop the street riots.

El gobierno teme que la crisis económica cause disturbios sociales.

The government fears that the economic crisis will cause social unrest.

It's a 'Naming Word' (Noun)

Since it ends in -o, it is masculine. You should use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Using the Plural

When talking about general chaos or ongoing protests, it is very common to use the plural form: 'los disturbios'.

The 'To Disturb' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'disturbio' to mean the action 'to disturb'.”

Correction: Say 'molestar' for bothering someone, or 'perturbar' for disrupting something. 'Disturbio' is only the event (the riot).

Missing the 'i'

Mistake: “Writing 'disturbo'.”

Correction: Make sure to include the 'i' before the 'o': 'disturbio'.

alteración

nounB2general
Choose this term to describe a state of agitation, upset, or a disruption to someone's emotional calm or a normal state.

Examples

Su alteración era evidente cuando recibió la noticia.

Her agitation was obvious when she received the news.

incidente

in-see-DEN-tehin.siˈðen.te

nounB1general
Use this for a minor interruption, a small problem, or a brief, often unexpected, event that causes a slight disruption.
A simple illustration showing a small glass of bright red juice tipped over, spilling liquid onto a clean wooden table, symbolizing a minor incident.

Examples

Tuvimos un pequeño incidente con el coche, pero nada grave.

We had a small incident with the car, but nothing serious.

La policía investiga el incidente ocurrido anoche en el centro.

The police are investigating the incident that occurred downtown last night.

Después de ese incidente, todos estuvieron más atentos.

After that occurrence, everyone was more attentive.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'incidente' ends in '-e', it is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' (the) and masculine adjectives with it: 'el incidente nuevo' (the new incident).

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “La incidente fue terrible.”

Correction: El incidente fue terrible. (Remember to use 'el' because 'incidente' is masculine.)

revuelta

rreh-vwehl-tahreˈβwelta

nounB2general
This word specifically refers to a more organized or widespread public disorder, often implying an uprising or rebellion.
A group of people holding large colorful banners and marching together in a peaceful protest.

Examples

La revuelta popular comenzó en la plaza principal.

The popular uprising began in the main square.

El gobierno intentó calmar la revuelta con nuevas leyes.

The government tried to calm the riot with new laws.

Fue una revuelta pacífica contra los impuestos.

It was a peaceful revolt against taxes.

Nouns ending in -a

'Revuelta' is a feminine noun, so you should always use feminine words with it, like 'la' or 'una'.

Don't confuse with 'revolución'

Mistake: “Using 'revuelta' for a total change in government.”

Correction: A 'revuelta' is usually a specific event or riot, while a 'revolución' is a massive, long-term change.

convulsión

nounC1formal
Employ this term to describe a period of violent change, upheaval, or instability, especially in a political or social context.

Examples

El país atraviesa una etapa de convulsión política.

The country is going through a stage of political upheaval.

Disturbio vs. Alteración

Learners often confuse 'disturbio' and 'alteración'. Remember that 'disturbio' typically refers to public disorder or a riot, while 'alteración' describes a personal state of agitation or a disruption to a normal situation or mood.

Related Translations

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