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How to Say "strike" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “strike” is “huelga” — use 'huelga' specifically when referring to an organized work stoppage by employees as a form of protest or negotiation..

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huelga

WHEL-gah/ˈwel.ɡa/

nounB1common
Use 'huelga' specifically when referring to an organized work stoppage by employees as a form of protest or negotiation.
Three colorful cartoon factory workers standing still outside a closed factory gate, symbolizing a work stoppage.

Examples

Los trabajadores anunciaron una huelga indefinida.

The workers announced an indefinite strike.

La huelga de transporte afectó a toda la ciudad.

The transport strike affected the entire city.

Hacer huelga es un derecho fundamental en muchos países.

To strike (literally: to do a strike) is a fundamental right in many countries.

Gender Check

Since 'huelga' is a feminine noun, always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la huelga', 'una huelga grande').

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Me voy a huelgar. (Incorrect verb choice for striking)”

Correction: Me voy a hacer huelga (or simply: voy a la huelga). Use the phrase 'hacer huelga' (to do a strike) to mean 'to go on strike'.

ataque

/ah-TAH-keh//aˈtake/

nounA2common
Choose 'ataque' for a forceful action against someone or something, like a military assault or a physical attack.
A knight charging towards a tall stone castle wall, illustrating a military attack or assault.

Examples

El castillo sobrevivió al ataque.

The castle survived the attack.

El equipo lanzó un ataque rápido y marcó un gol.

The team launched a quick attack and scored a goal.

El médico dijo que fue un ataque al corazón.

The doctor said it was a heart attack.

Is it 'el' or 'la'?

'Ataque' is a masculine noun, even though it ends in 'e'. So, you always use 'el' or 'un' with it, like 'el ataque' (the attack) or 'un ataque' (an attack).

Confusing the Noun and the Verb

Mistake: “Yo ataque el problema.”

Correction: Yo ataco el problema. 'Ataque' is the thing (the noun), while 'atacar' is the action (the verb). Think of 'attack' the noun vs. 'I attack' the verb in English.

impacto

/eem-PAHK-toh//imˈpakto/

nounA2common
Use 'impacto' to describe the collision or the force of one object hitting another, often with significant consequences.
A bright red rubber ball colliding forcefully with a solid blue wall, captured precisely at the moment of physical contact and deformation, surrounded by a splash of white energy.

Examples

El conductor sobrevivió al impacto frontal, pero el coche quedó destrozado.

The driver survived the frontal impact, but the car was destroyed.

Los científicos analizaron el impacto de la roca contra la superficie.

The scientists analyzed the impact of the rock against the surface.

paro

/PAH-roh//ˈpa.ɾo/

nounB1common
Use 'paro' for a general work stoppage or a halt in activity, which can sometimes refer to unemployment as well.
A lonely figure in professional clothing sitting on a simple wooden bench, looking sad and holding an empty briefcase, symbolizing unemployment.

Examples

El paro juvenil es un gran problema social en el país.

Youth unemployment is a major social problem in the country.

Después de tres meses en el paro, encontró un nuevo trabajo.

After three months of being unemployed (on the dole), he found a new job.

Los sindicatos han convocado un paro general.

The unions have called for a general strike.

Using 'Estar en el paro'

To say someone is unemployed, use the phrase 'estar en el paro' (literally: to be in the unemployment). This is extremely common in Spain.

Confusing 'Paro' and 'Huelga'

Mistake: “Using 'paro' only for a large, formal labor strike.”

Correction: 'Huelga' is the more specific term for a formal strike. 'Paro' can mean a general stoppage or simply unemployment.

pleno

/PLEH-noh//ˈpleno/

nounC1specialized
Only use 'pleno' in the specific context of bowling when all pins are knocked down with a single ball, achieving a strike.
A bowling ball hitting the center pin and knocking down every single white pin.

Examples

Hizo un pleno en los bolos.

He got a strike in bowling.

¡Pleno! Acerté todas las preguntas del examen.

Perfect! I got every question on the exam right.

Huelga vs. Paro

Learners often confuse 'huelga' and 'paro' because both mean work stoppage. Remember that 'huelga' specifically refers to an organized action by employees, while 'paro' is a more general term for a stoppage of work or activity.

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