Inklingo

How to Say "scolding" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bronca

BRON-kahˈbɾoŋka

nounB1informal
Use 'bronca' for a common, often loud, verbal reprimand or argument, typically given by someone in authority or a peer.
A mother wagging her finger at a child who looks remorseful.

Examples

Mi jefe me echó una bronca por llegar tarde.

My boss gave me a scolding for arriving late.

Hubo una bronca tremenda en la calle anoche.

There was a huge row in the street last night.

No busques bronca con él, que hoy está de mal humor.

Don't look for a fight with him; he's in a bad mood today.

Using 'Echar'

To say someone is 'giving a scolding,' Spanish uses the verb 'echar' (to throw). Think of it as 'throwing a scolding' at someone.

Plural Use

While you can have 'una bronca' (one argument), people often use it in singular even if many people are involved.

Don't use 'dar' for scolding

Mistake: “Mi madre me dio una bronca.”

Correction: Mi madre me echó una bronca. (Use 'echar' when the action is directed at a person as a reprimand).

reproche

reh-PRO-chehreˈpɾotʃe

nounB1
Opt for 'reproche' when you want to express a formal or more subdued criticism or rebuke, often focusing on a specific fault.
A child looking down at the floor while an adult points a finger in a gesture of mild scolding.

Examples

No acepto tu reproche.

I don't accept your criticism.

Ella aceptó el error sin ningún reproche.

She accepted the mistake without any reproach.

Sus palabras eran un reproche constante por mi falta de tiempo.

His words were a constant criticism of my lack of time.

Word Gender

This word is masculine. Even though many words ending in 'e' can be confusing, always use 'el' or 'un' with 'reproche'.

Pairing with Verbs

In Spanish, you don't usually just 'reproach' as a single verb action in common speech; instead, you 'make a reproach' using the word 'hacer'.

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “La reproche me dolió.”

Correction: El reproche me dolió. (Reproche is always masculine.)

jabón

nounB2informal
Use 'jabón' to describe a strong, harsh, and often lengthy telling-off, implying a significant reprimand.

Examples

Le dieron un buen jabón por no entregar el informe a tiempo.

They gave him a good scolding for not handing in the report on time.

peluca

peh-LOO-kahpeˈluka

nounC1informal
While 'peluca' can mean a verbal reprimand, it's less common and often carries a stronger, more heated connotation, similar to a furious outburst.
A small child looking down while a stern adult points a finger in a gesture of reprimand.

Examples

Mi jefe me echó una peluca por llegar tarde.

My boss gave me a scolding for arriving late.

Verbs for Scolding

In this sense, the word is almost always used with the verb 'echar' (to throw/give).

Bronca vs. Reproche

Learners often confuse 'bronca' and 'reproche'. Remember that 'bronca' is typically a more informal and heated scolding, while 'reproche' is a more formal and measured criticism. Use 'bronca' for a shouting match and 'reproche' for a serious talking-to.

Related Translations

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