How to Say "fiasco" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “fiasco” is “fracaso” — use 'fracaso' when referring to a project, event, or plan that has completely failed or been a total flop..
fracaso
frah-KAH-soh/fɾaˈkaso/
Examples
El lanzamiento del nuevo producto fue un fracaso rotundo.
The launch of the new product was a complete fiasco.
El proyecto fue un fracaso total después de dos años.
The project was a total failure after two years.
No tengas miedo al fracaso, es parte del aprendizaje.
Don't be afraid of failure; it's part of learning.
Su matrimonio terminó en fracaso.
His marriage ended in failure.
Using the Article
Like many abstract nouns in Spanish (ideas or feelings), 'fracaso' often needs the definite article ('el') when you are talking about the concept generally: 'El fracaso es duro.' (Failure is hard.)
Mixing up the Noun and Verb
Mistake: “Ella fracasó el examen.”
Correction: Remember 'fracaso' is the noun (the thing). To describe the action, use the verb 'fracasar': 'Ella fracasó en el examen' (She failed the exam).
circo
/SEER-koh//ˈsiɾko/
Examples
La discusión entre los políticos se convirtió en un circo mediático.
The argument between the politicians turned into a media circus/fiasco.
La reunión de la junta directiva se convirtió en un circo total.
The board meeting turned into a total mess/fiasco.
¡Qué circo has montado por un pequeño error! Cálmate.
What a fuss you've made over a small mistake! Calm down.
Figurative Meaning
When used figuratively, 'circo' emphasizes that the situation is not just messy, but also ridiculous or poorly handled, like a clown show.
Fracaso vs. Circo
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