How to Say "severe" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “severe” is “grave” — use 'grave' for serious injuries, illnesses, or punishments that have significant consequences.
grave
GRAH-vehˈɡɾa.βe
Examples
El accidente resultó en heridas graves que requirieron hospitalización.
The accident resulted in serious injuries that required hospitalization.
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.
serio
seh-ryohˈse.ɾjo
Examples
La sequía representa un problema serio para la agricultura local.
The drought represents a serious problem for local 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.
fuertes
FWEHR-tessˈfweɾtes
Examples
Anoche hubo vientos fuertes que causaron daños en los árboles.
Last night there were strong winds that caused damage to the trees.
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).
violento
bee-oh-LEHN-tohbjoˈlento
Examples
El violento temporal dejó a muchas familias sin electricidad.
The violent storm left many families without electricity.
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.
duros
DOO-rohsˈdu.ɾos
Examples
Los soldados tuvieron que soportar condiciones de vida duras.
The soldiers had to endure harsh living conditions.
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.'
severo
seh-BEH-rohseˈbeɾo
Examples
La enfermedad causó daños severos en sus pulmones.
The illness caused severe damage to his lungs.
La región sufrió una sequía severa durante tres años.
The region suffered a severe drought for three years.
El paciente presenta un cuadro severo de neumonía.
The patient shows a severe case of pneumonia.
Hubo daños severos en la estructura del edificio.
There was severe damage to the building's structure.
Intensity Descriptor
In this context, the word functions to show the high degree of something negative (like a drought or a sickness).
Overusing it for health
Mistake: “Saying 'tengo un dolor severo'.”
Correction: Say 'tengo un dolor muy fuerte'. In medical Spanish, 'severo' is often used by doctors, while everyday people use 'fuerte' or 'grave'.
riguroso
ree-goo-ROH-sohri.ɡu.ˈɾo.so
Examples
El invierno en esa región es riguroso y prolongado.
The winter in that region is harsh and prolonged.
Los exploradores enfrentaron un clima riguroso en el Ártico.
The explorers faced a harsh climate in the Arctic.
El invierno en esta región es muy riguroso.
The winter in this region is very severe.
Recibió un castigo riguroso por su mala conducta.
He received a harsh punishment for his bad behavior.
Describing Weather
When talking about weather, 'riguroso' suggests conditions that are hard to survive or endure.
Harsh sounds vs. Harsh weather
Mistake: “Using 'riguroso' for a loud or grating noise.”
Correction: Use 'estridente' or 'desagradable' for sounds. 'Riguroso' is for conditions, rules, or precision.
tremendo
treh-MEN-dohtɾeˈmen.do
Examples
Fue un tremendo error no haber estudiado más.
It was a tremendous mistake not to have studied more.
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'
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.