How to Say "horrifying" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “horrifying” is “aterrador” — use 'aterrador' when describing a deeply unsettling or awful event or experience that causes intense fear..
aterrador
/ah-teh-rrah-DOR//ateɾaˈðoɾ/
Examples
Vimos una película tan aterradora que no pude dormir.
We saw such a terrifying movie that I couldn't sleep.
La noticia del desastre fue aterradora para todos.
The news of the disaster was frightening for everyone.
Los ruidos aterradores venían del sótano abandonado.
The terrifying noises were coming from the abandoned basement.
Adjective Agreement
This word must match the noun it describes. Use 'aterrador' for masculine nouns (el monstruo aterrador) and 'aterradora' for feminine nouns (la situación aterradora).
Placement
Like most descriptive adjectives, 'aterrador' usually goes after the noun it modifies: 'un fantasma aterrador' (a terrifying ghost).
Confusing the Verb
Mistake: “Using 'aterrar' when you mean 'to land' (a plane).”
Correction: While related, 'aterrar' usually means 'to terrify.' For a plane landing, use 'aterrizar.'
espeluznante
/es-peh-loos-NAN-teh//espeluθˈnante/
Examples
La película de anoche tuvo un final espeluznante.
Last night's movie had a hair-raising ending.
Escuchamos un grito espeluznante que venía del sótano.
We heard a spine-chilling scream coming from the basement.
Los detalles del accidente son realmente espeluznantes.
The details of the accident are truly horrifying.
One Form for Everyone
This word ends in 'e', which means it always stays the same regardless of whether you are describing a masculine or feminine person or thing.
Don't change the ending
Mistake: “una historia espeluznanta”
Correction: una historia espeluznante. Even though 'historia' is feminine, words ending in 'e' don't change to 'a'.
Aterrador vs. Espeluznante
Related Translations
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