Inklingo

How to Say "shout" in Spanish

English → Spanish

grito

/gree-toh//ˈɡrito/

nounA1
Use 'grito' when referring to the noun form of a loud yell or sound, often indicating distress or excitement.
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

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/

verbA2informal
Use 'grites' as the negative imperative (command) form of the verb 'gritar' (to shout), used to tell someone NOT to shout.
A colorful illustration of a person with their finger to their lips, signaling for quiet to stop someone from shouting.

Examples

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.

llamada

/ya-MA-da//ʎaˈma.ða/

nounB1
Use 'llamada' when 'shout' is used metaphorically to mean a call for attention, like a knock on a door or a signal.
A child's hand knocking on a wooden door, symbolizing a summons or physical call for attention.

Examples

Oí una llamada a la puerta, pero no había nadie.

I heard a call at the door (a knock), but nobody was there.

El capitán hizo una llamada a sus soldados.

The captain made a call to his soldiers.

Noun vs. Verb Form

Learners often confuse 'grito' (the noun, a sound) with 'gritar' (the verb, the action of shouting). Remember that 'grito' is the yell itself, while 'grites' is a command related to the action of shouting.

Related Translations

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