Inklingo

How to Say "scream" in Spanish

English → Spanish

grito

/gree-toh//ˈɡrito/

nounA1general
Use 'grito' when referring to the actual sound of a loud, high-pitched cry, often associated with pain, fear, or surprise.
A colorful storybook illustration of a young child standing outside, mouth wide open, emitting large, visible sound wave lines to symbolize a loud yell.

Examples

Se oyó un grito desgarrador en la noche.

A heartbreaking scream was heard in the night.

Escuchamos un grito de auxilio desde el bosque.

We heard a cry for help from the woods.

El grito de gol del público fue ensordecedor.

The crowd's shout (yell) of 'goal' was deafening.

Con un grito de alegría, abrazó a su madre.

With a shout of joy, he hugged his mother.

Using 'Dar'

To express the action of making a shout, Spanish speakers usually use the verb 'dar' (to give) before 'grito': 'Ella dio un grito' (She gave a shout).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake:Using 'grito' when you mean the action 'to shout' (gritar).

Correction: Remember 'grito' is the sound itself (the noun). If you want to say 'I shout,' you use the verb form: 'Yo grito' (I shout).

grites

/GREE-tehs//ˈɡɾites/

verbA2general
Use 'grites' (the imperative form of 'gritar') when telling someone not to shout or scream, focusing on the action of making the loud noise.
A colorful illustration of a person with their finger to their lips, signaling for quiet to stop someone from shouting.

Examples

¡No grites tan fuerte, por favor!

Don't scream so loudly, please!

Por favor, no grites en la biblioteca.

Please, don't shout in the library.

No quiero que me grites.

I don't want you to yell at me.

Espero que no grites cuando veas la araña.

I hope you don't scream when you see the spider.

The 'Don't' Rule

When you want to tell a friend NOT to do something, verbs that usually end in 'as' change to 'es'. This is why 'gritas' (you shout) becomes 'no grites' (don't shout).

The Feeling Trigger

Use this form after phrases that express a wish or emotion, like 'I hope that...' (Espero que...) or 'I want you to...' (Quiero que...).

Using 'as' for Commands

Mistake:No gritas.

Correction: No grites.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

Learners often confuse 'grito' (the noun, the sound) with 'gritar' (the verb, the action). Remember that 'grito' is the cry itself, while 'gritar' is the act of making that cry. 'Grites' is a command form of this verb.

Related Translations

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