Inklingo

How to Say "setback" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “setback” is “obstáculo” — use 'obstáculo' when the setback is something that directly impedes progress or slows you down, like a physical barrier or a resource shortage..

obstáculoB1

Use 'obstáculo' when the setback is something that directly impedes progress or slows you down, like a physical barrier or a resource shortage.

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golpe🔊B1

Choose 'golpe' to describe a sudden, unexpected negative event that has a significant impact, often feeling like a physical blow or shock.

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fracaso🔊B1

Use 'fracaso' when the setback represents a complete failure or an unsuccessful outcome, implying that an effort did not achieve its intended goal.

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palo🔊B2

Consider 'palo' for a very difficult or upsetting situation, often used informally to describe personal misfortune or bad news.

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revésC1

Opt for 'revés' when referring to a misfortune or a reversal of fortune, especially in a more formal context like business or finance, suggesting a temporary dip in success.

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English → Spanish

obstáculo

nounB1general
Use 'obstáculo' when the setback is something that directly impedes progress or slows you down, like a physical barrier or a resource shortage.

Examples

La falta de dinero es un gran obstáculo para mis planes.

The lack of money is a big obstacle for my plans.

golpe

/GOHL-peh//ˈɡolpe/

nounB1general
Choose 'golpe' to describe a sudden, unexpected negative event that has a significant impact, often feeling like a physical blow or shock.
A storybook illustration of a figure sitting down, covering their face with their hands, conveying emotional shock or distress.

Examples

La crisis económica fue un golpe duro para muchas empresas.

The economic crisis was a hard blow/shock for many companies.

¡Qué golpe de suerte! Encontré el anillo perdido.

What a stroke of luck! I found the lost ring.

Ella se fue de golpe, sin despedirse.

She left suddenly, without saying goodbye.

Adverbial Use

The phrase 'de golpe' acts like an adverb, describing how something happens, usually meaning 'very quickly' or 'unexpectedly'.

fracaso

frah-KAH-soh/fɾaˈkaso/

nounB1general
Use 'fracaso' when the setback represents a complete failure or an unsuccessful outcome, implying that an effort did not achieve its intended goal.
A small tower built of colorful wooden blocks is collapsing and scattering across the floor, illustrating a failure.

Examples

El proyecto fue un fracaso total después de dos años.

The project was a total failure after two years.

No tengas miedo al fracaso, es parte del aprendizaje.

Don't be afraid of failure; it's part of learning.

Su matrimonio terminó en fracaso.

His marriage ended in failure.

Using the Article

Like many abstract nouns in Spanish (ideas or feelings), 'fracaso' often needs the definite article ('el') when you are talking about the concept generally: 'El fracaso es duro.' (Failure is hard.)

Mixing up the Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Ella fracasó el examen.”

Correction: Remember 'fracaso' is the noun (the thing). To describe the action, use the verb 'fracasar': 'Ella fracasó en el examen' (She failed the exam).

palo

PAH-loh/ˈpa.lo/

nounB2informal
Consider 'palo' for a very difficult or upsetting situation, often used informally to describe personal misfortune or bad news.
A simple illustration showing a wooden mallet striking a wooden block, with white visual lines radiating outward indicating the force of the impact.

Examples

La noticia de su despido fue un palo muy duro.

The news of his firing was a very hard blow/shock.

El ladrón le dio un palo en la cabeza para robarle.

The thief hit him on the head to rob him. (Literal physical blow)

revés

nounC1formal
Opt for 'revés' when referring to a misfortune or a reversal of fortune, especially in a more formal context like business or finance, suggesting a temporary dip in success.

Examples

La crisis económica fue un duro revés para la compañía.

The economic crisis was a harsh setback for the company.

Golpe vs. Obstáculo

Learners often confuse 'golpe' and 'obstáculo'. Remember that 'golpe' refers to a sudden, impactful event, while 'obstáculo' is something that impedes your progress more gradually.

Related Translations

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