How to Say "jinx" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “jinx” is “ceniza” — use 'ceniza' to describe a person who is perceived as bringing bad luck or who spoils the fun at an event..
ceniza
/the-NEE-sah/ or /se-NEE-sah//θeˈniθa/
Examples
¡No seas tan ceniza, va a ser una fiesta genial!
Don't be such a killjoy, it's going to be a great party!
No seas tan ceniza, ¡va a ser una fiesta genial!
Don't be such a killjoy, it's going to be a great party!
Él es un ceniza, siempre piensa que algo malo va a pasar.
He's a jinx; he always thinks something bad is going to happen.
Using it as a label
When calling someone a 'ceniza,' it functions as a noun. You use it with 'ser' (to be) to describe their nature.
Don't change the ending
Mistake: “Él es un cenizo.”
Correction: Él es un ceniza. (While some regions might use 'cenizo', 'ceniza' is the more traditional form for this specific slang meaning regardless of the person's gender.)
maldición
Examples
La bruja lanzó una maldición sobre el pueblo.
The witch cast a curse on the village.
Person vs. Period of Bad Luck
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.