Inklingo

How to Say "shattering" in Spanish

English → Spanish

destruyendo

/des-troo-YEN-doh//destɾuˈʝendo/

verbA2general
Use 'destruyendo' when the action involves the physical destruction of something into many pieces, or metaphorically, the ruin of hopes or plans.
A child's tall tower made of colorful toy blocks being knocked over and falling apart.

Examples

El impacto del meteorito está destruyendo la ciudad.

The impact of the meteorite is shattering the city.

El fuego está destruyendo el bosque.

The fire is destroying the forest.

Están destruyendo el viejo edificio para construir uno nuevo.

They are destroying the old building to build a new one.

Tus mentiras están destruyendo nuestra confianza.

Your lies are destroying our trust.

The 'Y' Spelling Rule

For verbs ending in -uir, the 'i' in the '-iendo' ending changes to a 'y' because Spanish doesn't like having three vowels in a row (u-i-e).

Using it for Ongoing Actions

Combine this word with 'estar' (to be) to describe something happening right now, like 'está destruyendo' (it is destroying).

Don't use an 'i'

Mistake: “destruiendo”

Correction: destruyendo

devastador

/deh-bahs-tah-DOR//deβastaˈðoɾ/

adjectiveC1general
Use 'devastador' to describe news, events, or emotional blows that are overwhelmingly negative and have a profound, destructive impact on someone's feelings or life.
A person sitting on a park bench looking very sad with their head in their hands.

Examples

La noticia de su fallecimiento fue devastadora para la familia.

The news of his passing was shattering for the family.

Recibió una noticia devastadora sobre su salud.

She received devastating news about her health.

El crítico escribió una reseña devastadora de la película.

The critic wrote a devastating review of the movie.

Fue una derrota devastadora para el equipo.

It was a crushing defeat for the team.

Describing Feelings vs. Causes

Remember, 'devastador' describes the news or the event, not the person who is sad.

Don't use with 'estar' for people

Mistake: “Ella está devastadora.”

Correction: Ella está devastada. Saying 'está devastadora' would imply she is currently destroying things around her!

Physical vs. Emotional Impact

Learners often confuse 'destruyendo' and 'devastador' by using the verb form for emotional impact. Remember, 'destruyendo' primarily refers to physical breaking or ruin, while 'devastador' is used for news or emotional effects.

Related Translations

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