Inklingo

How to Say "to denounce" in Spanish

English → Spanish

denunciar

deh-noon-syahrdenunˈsjaɾ

verbB2publicly criticize or condemn
Use 'denunciar' when you want to publicly criticize or condemn something, often in an official capacity or to expose wrongdoing like poor working conditions.
A person standing on a small wooden crate speaking to a group of people, gesturing with their hands.

Examples

El colectivo feminista denunció la falta de medidas contra la violencia de género.

The feminist collective denounced the lack of measures against gender violence.

El sindicato denunció las malas condiciones de trabajo.

The union denounced the poor working conditions.

Debemos denunciar la injusticia social.

We must speak out against social injustice.

Direct Object Use

You don't need a preposition like 'about' after this verb. You denounce the thing directly: 'Denunciar la situación' (Denounce the situation).

English Interference

Mistake:Saying 'denunciar sobre algo'.

Correction: Just say 'denunciar algo'. Spanish doesn't use 'about' with this verb.

atacar

ah-tah-KAHRataˈkaɾ

verbB2publicly
Use 'atacar' when the denouncement is framed as a strong, direct verbal assault or aggressive criticism against a person, policy, or idea.
A figure with an angry expression aggressively pointing a finger at a second figure who looks sad and is covering their ears.

Examples

El político atacó las propuestas económicas de su oponente en el debate.

The politician attacked his opponent's economic proposals in the debate.

La oposición atacó duramente el nuevo presupuesto.

The opposition fiercely criticized the new budget.

En su discurso, el político atacó a sus rivales sin piedad.

In his speech, the politician attacked his rivals mercilessly.

Figurative Use

When used in this sense, 'atacar' means to direct strong negative words or arguments toward a person, idea, or policy.

Denunciar vs. Atacar

Learners often confuse 'denunciar' and 'atacar' because both involve strong public disapproval. Remember that 'denunciar' is closer to 'to report' or 'to condemn,' often implying a more formal exposure of a problem, while 'atacar' is a more direct verbal 'attack'.

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