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How to Say "to assault" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atacar

ah-tah-KAHRataˈkaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'atacar' for any sudden, aggressive action, whether physical or metaphorical, like an animal attacking prey or an illness attacking the body.
A small cartoon knight, wearing simple armor, running and raising a sword in a charging stance.

Examples

El león intentó atacar a la cebra.

The lion tried to attack the zebra.

Las fuerzas enemigas atacaron al amanecer.

The enemy forces attacked at dawn.

Spelling Change in Preterite 'Yo'

To keep the hard 'k' sound of the 'c' before the vowel 'e', the 'c' changes to 'qu' only in the 'yo' form of the preterite (ataqué).

Incorrect Preterite Spelling

Mistake: “Yo atacé (with a 'z' sound)”

Correction: Yo ataqué. Remember that 'c' sounds like 's' or 'th' before 'e' or 'i', so you must use 'qu' to keep the hard 'k' sound.

agredir

ah-gray-DEERa.ɣɾe.ˈðiɾ

verbB1general
Choose 'agredir' when referring to a physical attack on a person, often in a legal or violent context, such as a physical altercation or assault.
A fierce lion pouncing towards a wooden shield.

Examples

El hombre intentó agredir al policía durante la protesta.

The man tried to attack the police officer during the protest.

Nunca es aceptable agredir a alguien por sus ideas.

It is never acceptable to verbally attack someone for their ideas.

Fue agredida por un desconocido en la calle.

She was assaulted by a stranger in the street.

The 'Personal A'

Since agredir usually involves a person receiving the action, you must use 'a' before the victim. For example: 'Agredió a su vecino' (He attacked his neighbor).

Modern Usage

Historically, this word was 'defective' (only used when the ending started with an 'i'), but in modern Spanish, it is used as a full, regular verb in all forms.

Missing the 'A'

Mistake: “Agredió el hombre.”

Correction: Agredió al hombre. (Because the man is a person receiving the action, you need the 'a'.)

asaltar

ah-sahl-TAHRasalˈtaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'asaltar' specifically for a military attack on a fortified place or for a robbery where someone is threatened.
A group of knights running toward a stone castle with a raised flag.

Examples

Las tropas asaltaron la fortaleza al amanecer.

The troops stormed the fortress at dawn.

Tengo tanta hambre que voy a asaltar la nevera.

I'm so hungry that I'm going to raid the fridge.

Varios fans asaltaron el escenario durante el concierto.

Several fans stormed the stage during the concert.

Direct objects

When asaltar means 'to storm' a place, the place is the direct object. You don't need 'a' for a place, only for people.

Confusing with 'atacar'

Mistake: “El perro me asaltó.”

Correction: El perro me atacó.

Distinguishing 'agredir' and 'asaltar'

Learners often confuse 'agredir' and 'asaltar'. Remember, 'agredir' is a general physical attack on a person, while 'asaltar' is more specific, referring to a military assault or a robbery.

Related Translations

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