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How to Say "riot" in Spanish

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disturbio

/dees-TOOR-byoh//disˈtuɾβjo/

nounB2general
Use 'disturbio' for general public disorder or a disturbance that may involve some violence, but isn't necessarily a large-scale uprising.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a chaotic street scene with overturned objects and a crowd of people in the background.

Examples

Hubo un disturbio en la plaza principal ayer.

There was a disturbance in the main square yesterday.

La policía intervino para detener los disturbios callejeros.

The police intervened to stop the street riots.

El gobierno teme que la crisis económica cause disturbios sociales.

The government fears that the economic crisis will cause social unrest.

It's a 'Naming Word' (Noun)

Since it ends in -o, it is masculine. You should use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Using the Plural

When talking about general chaos or ongoing protests, it is very common to use the plural form: 'los disturbios'.

The 'To Disturb' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'disturbio' to mean the action 'to disturb'.”

Correction: Say 'molestar' for bothering someone, or 'perturbar' for disrupting something. 'Disturbio' is only the event (the riot).

Missing the 'i'

Mistake: “Writing 'disturbo'.”

Correction: Make sure to include the 'i' before the 'o': 'disturbio'.

motín

nounB2general
Choose 'motín' specifically for a violent disturbance or uprising by a group, often used in contexts like prisons or military settings.

Examples

Los prisioneros iniciaron un motín en la cárcel ayer.

The prisoners started a riot in the jail yesterday.

revuelta

/rreh-vwehl-tah//reˈβwelta/

nounB2general
Use 'revuelta' to describe social unrest or a popular uprising, emphasizing the element of rebellion against authority.
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.

Disturbio vs. Motín vs. Revuelta

The most common mistake is using 'disturbio' for a serious, organized uprising. Remember that 'motín' implies a violent, often confined rebellion (like in a prison), while 'revuelta' suggests a broader social or political rebellion.

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