Inklingo

How to Say "severe" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “severe” is “grave” — use 'grave' when referring to a very serious injury, illness, or a severe punishment that has significant consequences..

grave🔊B1

Use 'grave' when referring to a very serious injury, illness, or a severe punishment that has significant consequences.

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fuerte🔊B1

Use 'fuerte' to describe intense weather phenomena like heavy rain or strong winds, or to describe harsh criticism.

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duro🔊A2

Use 'duro' for harsh or severe punishments, or for extremely unpleasant weather conditions, implying toughness or difficulty.

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serio🔊B1

Use 'serio' for significant problems or illnesses that require attention, emphasizing their importance and potential impact.

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violento🔊B1

Use 'violento' specifically for extreme weather events like violent storms or winds, highlighting their force and destructive potential.

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tremendo🔊B2

Use 'tremendo' to describe a severe consequence, mistake, or event, often implying something overwhelming or immense.

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English → Spanish

grave

GRAH-vehˈɡɾa.βe

adjectiveB1general
Use 'grave' when referring to a very serious injury, illness, or a severe punishment that has significant consequences.
A storybook illustration showing a doctor with a deeply serious and concerned expression on their face, representing a grave situation.

Examples

El accidente dejó al conductor en estado grave.

The accident left the driver in serious condition.

Su estado de salud es grave, necesita un médico inmediatamente.

His health condition is serious; he needs a doctor immediately.

Cometer un error tan grave en el informe afectará tu ascenso.

Making such a serious mistake in the report will affect your promotion.

El presidente dio un discurso con tono grave sobre la crisis económica.

The president gave a speech in a solemn tone about the economic crisis.

Always Use the Same Form

The form 'grave' is used for both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'el error grave,' 'la lesión grave'). Only the plural changes: 'graves.'

Don't Confuse with 'Heavy'

Mistake: “Using 'grave' to mean physically heavy (like a heavy box).”

Correction: Use 'pesado/a' for physical weight. 'Grave' implies emotional weight or severity.

fuerte

FWEHR-tess/ˈfweɾtes/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'fuerte' to describe intense weather phenomena like heavy rain or strong winds, or to describe harsh criticism.
A storybook character reacting intensely to a strong flavor, shown by their red face, wide eyes, and steam rising from their head after biting a chili pepper.

Examples

La tormenta fue muy fuerte y causó daños en la ciudad.

The storm was very strong and caused damage in the city.

Hubo lluvias muy fuertes en la costa anoche.

There were very heavy rains on the coast last night.

Los olores de estas especias son demasiado fuertes.

The smells of these spices are too intense.

Los gritos de los aficionados eran muy fuertes.

The fans' shouts were very loud.

Using 'Mucho' for Loudness

Mistake: “Using 'mucha' or 'mucho' to mean 'loud' (e.g., 'mucha música').”

Correction: To describe sound volume, use 'fuerte' (or 'alto'). For example, 'La música está muy fuerte' (The music is very loud).

duro

/DOO-rohs//ˈdu.ɾos/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'duro' for harsh or severe punishments, or for extremely unpleasant weather conditions, implying toughness or difficulty.
A cartoon finger taps a solid, gray cubic stone block resting on a soft meadow.

Examples

El juez impuso un castigo duro por el crimen.

The judge imposed a severe punishment for the crime.

Los ladrillos son muy duros, no se rompen fácilmente.

The bricks are very hard; they don't break easily.

Pasamos por momentos muy duros después de la crisis.

We went through some very tough times after the crisis.

Los entrenamientos de este gimnasio son demasiado duros para mí.

The workouts at this gym are too difficult/hard for me.

Making it Plural

This word is the masculine plural form of 'duro' (hard). Remember that adjectives must match the thing they describe in both number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine).

Confusing Hardness and Difficulty

Mistake: “Using 'duros' when you mean 'difíciles' for an abstract concept like a puzzle.”

Correction: 'Duros' can mean difficult, but 'difíciles' is often clearer for mental challenges. 'Los problemas son difíciles.'

serio

/seh-ryoh//ˈse.ɾjo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'serio' for significant problems or illnesses that require attention, emphasizing their importance and potential impact.
A tiny, fragile green plant struggling to grow out of heavily cracked, dry, reddish earth, illustrating the severity of a problem like drought.

Examples

La sequía representa un problema serio para la agricultura.

The drought represents a serious problem for agriculture.

La falta de agua es un problema serio en esta región.

The lack of water is a serious problem in this region.

Cometió un error serio en el informe.

He made a serious mistake in the report.

Necesitamos encontrar una empresa seria para este trabajo.

We need to find a reliable company for this job.

violento

bee-oh-LEHN-toh/bjoˈlento/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'violento' specifically for extreme weather events like violent storms or winds, highlighting their force and destructive potential.
A storybook illustration of a person's face showing extreme distress or intense emotion, surrounded by swirling red and orange colors.

Examples

El huracán trajo consigo vientos violentos y lluvias torrenciales.

The hurricane brought violent winds and torrential rains.

Tuvimos que parar el coche por el viento violento.

We had to stop the car because of the fierce/intense wind.

Sufrió un dolor de cabeza violento después del accidente.

He suffered a severe headache after the accident.

La reacción del mercado fue violenta tras el anuncio.

The market's reaction was drastic/intense after the announcement.

Describing Force

When used for things like weather or physical sensations, 'violento' means 'very strong' or 'extreme,' emphasizing the power or suddenness of the event.

tremendo

treh-MEN-doh/tɾeˈmen.do/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'tremendo' to describe a severe consequence, mistake, or event, often implying something overwhelming or immense.
A cartoon person standing under a small, isolated dark rain cloud that is pouring rain only on them, depicting a terrible situation.

Examples

Cometer ese error fue una tremenda falta de juicio.

Making that mistake was a tremendous lapse in judgment.

Fue una tremenda equivocación confiar en él.

It was a terrible mistake to trust him.

El equipo sufrió una tremenda derrota en la final.

The team suffered an awful defeat in the final.

Meaning Shift

The meaning of 'tremendo' often depends on the context. If you are describing something negative, it intensifies that negativity (e.g., 'tremenda hambre' means severe hunger).

Confusing 'grave' and 'serio'

Learners often confuse 'grave' and 'serio' when describing problems or illnesses. Remember that 'grave' implies a more critical, life-threatening, or deeply serious situation, while 'serio' refers to important or significant issues that still need attention.

Related Translations

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