How to Say "scandal" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “scandal” is “escándalo” — use 'escándalo' when referring to a public outrage, typically involving moral or political wrongdoing that becomes widely known..
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escándalo
nounB1general
Use 'escándalo' when referring to a public outrage, typically involving moral or political wrongdoing that becomes widely known.
Examples
El escándalo de corrupción sacudió al gobierno.
The corruption scandal shook the government.
espectáculo
nounB1informal
Choose 'espectáculo' when someone is causing a scene or displaying very bad behavior publicly, drawing unwanted attention to themselves.
Examples
No grites en la biblioteca, ¡no hagas un espectáculo!
Don't yell in the library, don't make a scene!
vergüenza
nounB1general
Use 'vergüenza' to describe an event or situation that is shocking and improper, often implying a sense of shame or disgrace about it.
Examples
Es una vergüenza que no se invierta más en educación.
It is a disgrace that more is not invested in education.
Choosing Between 'Escándalo' and 'Espectáculo'
Learners often confuse 'escándalo' and 'espectáculo'. Remember that 'escándalo' refers to a widely reported public offense (like a political scandal), while 'espectáculo' describes someone's personal, disruptive bad behavior in public, like making a scene.
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