How to Say "outburst" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “outburst” is “estallido” — use this for a sudden, explosive release of strong emotion, often with a sense of it being very noticeable or powerful.
estallido
es-ta-YEE-dohestaˈʝiðo
Examples
El estallido de ira de Juan sorprendió a todos.
Juan's outburst of anger surprised everyone.
El estallido de la bomba se escuchó en toda la ciudad.
The explosion of the bomb was heard throughout the city.
Hubo un estallido social debido a los altos precios.
There was a social outbreak (uprising) due to the high prices.
Un estallido de risa rompió el silencio de la sala.
An outburst of laughter broke the silence in the room.
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'o' and looks standard, remember to always use 'el' or 'un' with this word.
Describing the Cause
Use the word 'de' (of) immediately after 'estallido' to explain what caused the noise or event, such as 'estallido de alegría' (outburst of joy).
Estallido vs. Explosión
Mistake: “Using 'explosión' for social movements.”
Correction: While 'explosión' works for bombs, use 'estallido social' for protests or sudden social changes to sound more natural.
explosión
Examples
La explosión de alegría tras el gol fue increíble.
The outburst of joy after the goal was incredible.
escenas
es-SEH-nasesˈse.nas
Examples
No hagas escenas en público, por favor.
Don't make an outburst in public, please.
Por favor, no hagas escenas aquí, estamos en un restaurante.
Please, don't make a scene here, we are in a restaurant.
Ella siempre monta escenas de celos cuando salimos.
She always throws jealous fits when we go out.
Nadie quiere presenciar esas escenas tan incómodas.
Nobody wants to witness such uncomfortable scenes.
The verb for 'Making a Scene'
Mistake: “Using *'producir escenas'* (to produce scenes).”
Correction: The most natural and common way to say 'to make a scene' is *'montar una escena'* or *'hacer una escena'*.
arranque
ah-RRAHN-kehaˈraŋke
Examples
Tuvo un arranque de celos y se fue.
He had an outburst of jealousy and left.
En un arranque de ira, rompió el contrato.
In a fit of rage, he tore up the contract.
Fue un arranque de generosidad inesperado.
It was an unexpected outburst of generosity.
No le hagas caso, es solo un arranque de locura.
Don't mind him, it's just a sudden moment of madness.
Describing Suddenness
Use 'en un arranque de...' followed by a noun to describe someone doing something suddenly because of a strong feeling.
tormenta
tor-MEN-tatoɾˈmenta
Examples
La decisión del juez desató una tormenta mediática.
The judge's decision caused a media outburst (storm).
Su renuncia provocó una tormenta política en el país.
His resignation caused a political storm (crisis) in the country.
Ella tuvo una tormenta de lágrimas después de la noticia.
She had an outburst of tears after the news.
La empresa atraviesa una tormenta financiera.
The company is going through a financial crisis/turmoil.
Figurative Use
This meaning uses 'tormenta' as a strong metaphor, similar to English, to describe chaotic situations or intense feelings.
ida
EE-dahˈiða
Examples
Le dio una ida y empezó a gritar sin motivo.
She had an outburst and started yelling for no reason.
A veces le dan unas idas muy raras.
Sometimes she has some very strange fits/outbursts.
Tiene una ida con ese coche viejo, no lo quiere vender.
He has a fixation on that old car; he doesn't want to sell it.
Figurative Meaning
In this sense, 'ida' suggests a momentary mental 'trip' or deviation from normal thinking. It is typically used in the plural, 'idas', when referring to strange behavior.
pronto
PRON-tohˈpɾon.to
Examples
En un pronto de enfado, lanzó el libro.
In an outburst of anger, he threw the book.
En un pronto de ira, golpeó la mesa.
In an outburst of anger, he hit the table.
Le dio un pronto y decidió viajar por el mundo.
He had a sudden impulse and decided to travel the world.
Distinguishing 'Estallido' from 'Escenas'
Related Translations
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