Inklingo

How to Say "ordeal" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “ordeal” is “experiencia” — use this general term for any significant event, positive or negative, that leaves a lasting impression. It's the most neutral choice for a difficult experience..

experiencia🔊B1

Use this general term for any significant event, positive or negative, that leaves a lasting impression. It's the most neutral choice for a difficult experience.

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batalla🔊B1

Choose this when the difficult experience involves a prolonged struggle or fight against something challenging, like an illness or a difficult situation.

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tortura🔊B1

Use this to emphasize extreme difficulty and unpleasantness, often for mundane but frustrating tasks that feel like torture.

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trauma🔊B1

This translation is specifically for deeply distressing or disturbing experiences that have a significant psychological impact.

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pesadilla🔊B2

Employ this term when the ordeal is exceptionally unpleasant, chaotic, and feels like a nightmare, often due to bureaucracy or complex problems.

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English → Spanish

experiencia

/ex-peh-RYEN-sya//ekspeˈɾjensja/

nounB1general
Use this general term for any significant event, positive or negative, that leaves a lasting impression. It's the most neutral choice for a difficult experience.
A happy child standing in a green field, watching a massive, brightly colored hot air balloon gently descend, representing a specific memorable event.

Examples

El examen final fue una experiencia muy estresante.

The final exam was a very stressful ordeal.

El viaje a Perú fue una experiencia inolvidable.

The trip to Peru was an unforgettable experience.

Perder mi pasaporte fue una muy mala experiencia.

Losing my passport was a very bad experience.

Cuéntame alguna experiencia divertida de tu infancia.

Tell me a fun experience from your childhood.

batalla

/bah-TAH-yah//baˈtaʝa/

nounB1general
Choose this when the difficult experience involves a prolonged struggle or fight against something challenging, like an illness or a difficult situation.
A storybook illustration of a small, determined person struggling to climb a very steep, rocky incline, gripping the rock face tightly.

Examples

Su recuperación fue una larga batalla contra la enfermedad.

His recovery was a long ordeal (battle) against the illness.

Cada día es una batalla para conseguir terminar el proyecto.

Every day is a fight to manage to finish the project.

Preposition Use

When talking about what you are fighting against, use the preposition 'contra': 'la batalla contra la pobreza' (the struggle against poverty).

Using 'pelea' for Abstract Fights

Mistake: “Usar 'una pelea contra el cáncer'”

Correction: Use 'una batalla contra el cáncer'. 'Pelea' is usually for physical or verbal arguments between people.

tortura

/tor-TOO-ra//toɾˈtuɾa/

nounB1informal
Use this to emphasize extreme difficulty and unpleasantness, often for mundane but frustrating tasks that feel like torture.
A simplified illustration of a small figure wading slowly and laboriously through deep, dark, viscous mud that reaches up to their waist, symbolizing a difficult ordeal or experience.

Examples

Hacer la declaración de impuestos es una tortura.

Doing the tax return is an ordeal (a torture).

Esperar en esa fila fue una tortura.

Waiting in that line was a pain.

Figurative Use

You can use 'tortura' to exaggerate how difficult or boring something is, similar to saying 'It's a killer' in English.

trauma

TRAU-mah/ˈtɾau̯.ma/

nounB1general
This translation is specifically for deeply distressing or disturbing experiences that have a significant psychological impact.
A small, vulnerable figure is sitting huddled on the ground, enveloped by a large, swirling, dark cloud or shadow, symbolizing psychological shock.

Examples

Superar un trauma infantil puede ser un proceso largo.

Overcoming childhood trauma can be a long ordeal (process).

La pérdida de su mascota le causó un gran trauma emocional.

The loss of his pet caused him great emotional trauma.

Necesita ayuda profesional para lidiar con el trauma de la separación.

She needs professional help to deal with the trauma of the separation.

Masculine Noun Ending in -a

Even though 'trauma' ends in '-a', it is a masculine noun. Always say 'el trauma' or 'un trauma.' This is common for many Spanish words borrowed from Greek, like 'el problema' or 'el tema'.

Incorrect Gender

Mistake: “La trauma fue muy fuerte.”

Correction: El trauma fue muy fuerte. Remember that 'trauma' is masculine, so use 'el' or 'un' before it.

pesadilla

/peh-sah-DEE-yah//pesaˈðiʎa/

nounB2general
Employ this term when the ordeal is exceptionally unpleasant, chaotic, and feels like a nightmare, often due to bureaucracy or complex problems.
A colorful illustration showing a person straining and sweating profusely while trying to push a massive gray boulder up a steep green hill, symbolizing an overwhelming task.

Examples

Intentar conseguir los permisos fue una pesadilla burocrática.

Trying to get the permits was a bureaucratic ordeal (nightmare).

La construcción de la casa se convirtió en una pesadilla financiera para ellos.

The construction of the house turned into a financial nightmare for them.

Using 'Ser' and 'Convertirse'

When referring to a situation, you often use 'ser' (to be) or 'convertirse en' (to turn into): 'Es una pesadilla' or 'Se convirtió en una pesadilla'.

General vs. Specific Hardship

Learners often overuse 'experiencia' because it's general. Remember that 'batalla' implies a struggle, 'tortura' implies extreme unpleasantness, and 'pesadilla' suggests chaos or a nightmare. Use these more specific terms when the context truly fits.

Related Translations

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