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How to Say "revolt" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “revolt” is “rebelión” — use 'rebelión' for a general, often violent, organized protest or act of defiance against an authority or government.

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rebelión

nounB1general
Use 'rebelión' for a general, often violent, organized protest or act of defiance against an authority or government.

Examples

La rebelión comenzó en la capital.

The rebellion started in the capital.

levantamiento

le-vahn-tah-myehn-tohleβantaˈmjento

nounB2general
Use 'levantamiento' to describe a popular uprising or insurrection against an established power, often involving a significant portion of the population.
A large crowd of people gathered in a town square holding colorful flags and banners.

Examples

Hubo un levantamiento popular contra el nuevo impuesto.

There was a popular uprising against the new tax.

El libro describe el levantamiento militar de 1930.

The book describes the military uprising of 1930.

El gobierno temía un levantamiento armado.

The government feared an armed revolt.

Collective Action

When used in a political sense, it almost always implies a group of people taking action together.

Revolt vs. Revolution

Mistake: “Thinking 'levantamiento' is the same as 'revolución'.”

Correction: A 'levantamiento' is the initial act of rising up, while a 'revolución' is the entire process of change.

revuelta

rreh-vwehl-tahreˈβwelta

nounB2political
Choose 'revuelta' for a political uprising or act of defiance, often implying a sudden or intense outburst of opposition.
A group of people holding large colorful banners and marching together in a peaceful protest.

Examples

La revuelta popular comenzó en la plaza principal.

The popular uprising began in the main square.

El gobierno intentó calmar la revuelta con nuevas leyes.

The government tried to calm the riot with new laws.

Fue una revuelta pacífica contra los impuestos.

It was a peaceful revolt against taxes.

Nouns ending in -a

'Revuelta' is a feminine noun, so you should always use feminine words with it, like 'la' or 'una'.

Don't confuse with 'revolución'

Mistake: “Using 'revuelta' for a total change in government.”

Correction: A 'revuelta' is usually a specific event or riot, while a 'revolución' is a massive, long-term change.

levante

leh-VAHN-tehleˈβante

nounC1political
Use 'levante' specifically for a historical or significant political action that constitutes an uprising or revolt, often marking a turning point.
A simple illustration of a determined, clenched human fist raised high into the air against a dark background, symbolizing defiance and rebellion.

Examples

El levante popular de 1808 marcó el inicio de la guerra.

The popular uprising of 1808 marked the beginning of the war.

Temían un levante armado contra el gobierno.

They feared an armed revolt against the government.

Connection to the Verb

This noun comes directly from the verb 'levantar' (to raise, to lift), meaning the act of 'raising oneself up' against authority.

Rebelión vs. Levantamiento

Learners often confuse 'rebelión' and 'levantamiento'. While both mean revolt or uprising, 'rebelión' is more general for any organized protest, whereas 'levantamiento' emphasizes a broader popular insurrection against authority.

Related Translations

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