Inklingo

How to Say "scandal" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “scandal” is “escándalo” — use 'escándalo' when referring to a public offense, especially one involving moral or political wrongdoing that is exposed to the public.

English → Spanish

escándalo

nounB1general
Use 'escándalo' when referring to a public offense, especially one involving moral or political wrongdoing that is exposed to the public.

Examples

El escándalo de corrupción sacudió al gobierno.

The corruption scandal shook the government.

espectáculo

nounB1informal
Choose 'espectáculo' when describing a disruptive or embarrassing public display of bad behavior, often by an individual.

Examples

No hagas un espectáculo en la fiesta, compórtate.

Don't make a scene at the party, behave yourself.

show

shouʃoʊ

nounB1informal
Use 'show' (an anglicism) similarly to 'espectáculo' to describe an attention-grabbing, often negative, public display or commotion.
A small child sitting on the floor in a grocery store aisle, waving their arms and legs in a dramatic tantrum.

Examples

El niño hizo un show porque no le compraron el juguete.

The child made a scene because they didn't buy him the toy.

No hagas un show en la calle.

Don't make a scene in the street.

Fue todo un show convencerlo de venir.

It was a real ordeal/drama to convince him to come.

¡Menudo show montó ella en la fiesta!

What a scene she made at the party!

Using 'Montar'

To say someone 'made' a scene, Spanish often uses the verb 'montar' (to mount/put together) instead of just 'hacer' (to make).

Literal Translation

Mistake: “Hacer una escena”

Correction: Hacer un show / Montar un show. While 'hacer una escena' is understood, 'show' is much more common in colloquial spoken Spanish to describe dramatic behavior.

vergüenza

nounB1general
Opt for 'vergüenza' when the focus is on the shame or disgrace associated with an event, highlighting its impropriety or shocking nature.

Examples

Es una vergüenza que no se invierta más en educación.

It is a disgrace that more is not invested in education.

Confusing Public Offense with Public Display

Learners often confuse 'escándalo' with 'espectáculo' or 'show'. Remember that 'escándalo' refers to the wrongdoing itself, often a moral or political issue. 'Espectáculo' and 'show' describe the *act* of behaving badly or causing a scene publicly.

Related Translations

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