How to Say "downfall" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “downfall” is “caída” — use 'caída' when referring to the collapse or fall of a regime, government, or a person's status, often implying a loss of power or position..
caída
Examples
La caída del imperio romano marcó el fin de una era.
The downfall of the Roman Empire marked the end of an era.
ruina
RWE-nahˈrwi.na
Examples
La mala gestión financiera llevó a la ruina a la empresa familiar.
Poor financial management led the family business to its downfall.
La crisis llevó a muchos pequeños negocios a la ruina.
The crisis led many small businesses to ruin.
Su adicción al juego fue su ruina personal.
His gambling addiction was his personal downfall.
No puedo comprar eso; me dejaría en la ruina.
I can't buy that; it would leave me broke/ruined.
Saying 'Broke'
Mistake: “Using a literal translation like 'Estoy roto' to mean 'I am broke' (financially).”
Correction: The correct, common way to say you are financially ruined is 'Estoy en la ruina.' ('Roto' usually means physically broken or emotionally devastated.)
Caída vs. Ruina
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