Inklingo

How to Say "to shock" in Spanish

English → Spanish

golpear

/gol-pe-ar//ɡolpeˈaɾ/

verbB2
Use 'golpear' when the shock is a strong, direct emotional blow, often implying a significant negative impact or disturbance.
A simple illustration of a person's face showing extreme surprise and shock, with wide eyes and a stunned expression, indicated by simple wavy lines around their head.

Examples

La noticia de su despido nos golpeó a todos.

The news of his firing hit us all hard (shocked us).

La realidad económica golpeó a las familias más pobres.

The economic reality affected the poorest families deeply.

Subject vs. Object

In this figurative sense, the subject is usually the bad news or event, and the object is the person or group that feels the impact.

impresionar

/eem-preh-syoh-nahr//impɾesjoˈnaɾ/

verbB2
Use 'impresionar' when the shock stems from surprise, awe, or distress, causing a strong emotional reaction that leaves a lasting impression.
A person with wide eyes and hands on their cheeks looking at a surprise gift box.

Examples

La noticia del accidente nos impresionó a todos.

The news of the accident shocked all of us.

Me impresionó ver la ciudad tan vacía.

It shocked/affected me to see the city so empty.

'Golpear' vs. 'Impresionar' for 'to shock'

Learners often confuse 'golpear' and 'impresionar' because both involve strong emotional reactions. Remember that 'golpear' implies a more forceful, often negative, impact like a blow, while 'impresionar' suggests a strong effect from surprise or distress that leaves an impression.

Related Translations

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