Inklingo

How to Say "harassment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acoso

/ah-KOH-soh//aˈko.so/

nounB2general
Use 'acoso' for general unwanted, aggressive pressure or behavior, including bullying, stalking, or workplace harassment.
A simple storybook illustration showing a tiny, vulnerable yellow character huddled on the ground, shrinking away from three large, dark, and imposing abstract shapes that loom aggressively over it.

Examples

El acoso laboral puede tener graves consecuencias para la salud mental.

Workplace harassment can have serious consequences for mental health.

El acoso escolar es un problema grave que afecta a muchos jóvenes.

School bullying is a serious problem that affects many young people.

Ella denunció acoso en su lugar de trabajo después de meses de comentarios inapropiados.

She reported harassment in her workplace after months of inappropriate comments.

El acoso cibernético (ciberacoso) se realiza a través de internet.

Cyberbullying (cyber-harassment) is carried out through the internet.

Gender and Articles

Since 'acoso' is a masculine noun, it always uses masculine articles like 'el' or 'un', even if the victim or the harasser is female. (e.g., 'El acoso es inaceptable').

Mixing up the Noun and the Verb

Mistake:Using *acosar* (the verb form, meaning 'to harass') when you need the noun: *Él es víctima de acosar.*

Correction: Use the noun: *Él es víctima de acoso.* (He is a victim of harassment.)

persecución

nounC1formal
Use 'persecución' for severe, relentless mistreatment, often implying a systematic campaign, especially for political or religious reasons.

Examples

La persecución política obligó a muchos ciudadanos a exiliarse.

Political persecution forced many citizens into exile.

Acoso vs. Persecución

Learners often confuse 'acoso' and 'persecución' by using 'persecución' for everyday unwanted behavior. Remember, 'persecución' implies a much more serious, sustained, and often systematic mistreatment, not just general annoyance or aggression.

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