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How to Say "fury" in Spanish

English → Spanish

furia

FOO-ree-ah/ˈfuɾja/

nounB1
Use 'furia' for general, strong anger that might be visible but not necessarily explosive. It's a common, all-purpose word for intense anger.
A simple, stylized character illustration showing intense anger, depicted by a bright red face, clenched fists, and exaggerated steam rising from its head.

Examples

Sintió tanta furia que rompió el vaso sin querer.

She felt so much fury that she broke the glass accidentally.

Su furia era visible en su rostro y en sus gestos.

His rage was visible on his face and in his gestures.

Feminine Noun

Remember that 'furia' is always a feminine word, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la furia', 'una furia terrible').

Using 'el' instead of 'la'

Mistake: “El furia.”

Correction: La furia. (This noun is feminine even though it ends in '-a', like many Spanish nouns for strong emotions.)

ira

/ee-rah//ˈi.ɾa/

nounB1
Choose 'ira' when the anger is deep-seated, perhaps more internal, and implies a potentially violent or uncontrollable emotional state.
A simple, colorful storybook illustration showing a furious child character with a bright red face, yelling, with visible steam rising from their head, indicating extreme anger.

Examples

Sentí una gran ira cuando descubrí la mentira.

I felt great anger when I discovered the lie.

Su rostro se puso rojo de ira.

His face turned red with rage.

La ira es una emoción difícil de controlar si no se maneja a tiempo.

Anger is a difficult emotion to control if it is not handled in time.

Gender and Articles

Since 'ira' is a feminine word, it always uses the feminine article 'la' (la ira). Unlike words like 'agua' or 'águila' which use 'el' for sound reasons, 'ira' is standard.

Intensity Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'ira' for mild annoyance.”

Correction: 'Ira' means intense fury or wrath. For everyday annoyance, use 'enojo' or 'molestia'.

rabia

/RRAH-byah//ˈra.βja/

nounB1
Use 'rabia' for a more intense, almost animalistic, and very outward display of uncontrolled anger, often leading to destructive actions.
A cartoon character depiction of intense anger, showing a red face and steam escaping from the head.

Examples

Sentí tanta rabia cuando perdí el partido que rompí la raqueta.

I felt so much rage when I lost the game that I broke the racket.

Me da rabia que siempre llegues tarde.

It makes me furious that you are always late. (Literally: It gives me rage...)

Actuó por pura rabia, sin pensar en las consecuencias.

He acted out of pure fury, without thinking about the consequences.

Using 'Dar Rabia'

To express that something makes you angry, use 'dar rabia' (it gives me rage), just like you use 'gustar' (to like): 'Me da rabia esto' (This makes me angry).

Expressing the feeling

Mistake: “Saying 'Estoy rabia' (I am rage) to mean 'I am angry.'”

Correction: Use 'Tengo rabia' (I have rage) or the verb 'estar enfadado/a' (I am angry). 'Rabia' is usually an emotion you 'have' or something that 'gives' you the feeling.

Furia vs. Rabia vs. Ira

Learners often confuse 'furia', 'ira', and 'rabia'. While all mean intense anger, 'furia' is the most general. 'Ira' suggests a deeper, more controlled (though still intense) anger, while 'rabia' implies a loss of control and a more aggressive, outward expression.

Related Translations

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