Inklingo

How to Say "to torment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atormentar

/ah-tor-men-TAR//atormenˈtar/

verbB1general
Use 'atormentar' when describing the act of causing intense physical or mental pain, often from an external source.
A small figure sitting on the ground looking distressed while a large, dark, swirling storm cloud looms directly over them.

Examples

El ruido constante de la construcción me atormenta.

The constant construction noise torments me.

Los recuerdos de la guerra lo atormentaban cada noche.

Memories of the war haunted him every night.

No es justo que te atormentes por errores del pasado.

It's not fair for you to torment yourself over past mistakes.

Using the 'Self' Form

When someone is suffering due to their own thoughts, use the reflexive form: 'atormentarse.' Example: 'Se atormenta por nada' (He torments himself over nothing).

Linking to the Cause

Use 'con' or 'por' to show what is causing the pain. Use 'con' for objects/tools (con preguntas) and 'por' for reasons (por su pasado).

Atormentar vs. Molestar

Mistake: “Using 'atormentar' for minor annoyances like a fly.”

Correction: Use 'molestar' for small annoyances; 'atormentar' is for deep, persistent, or severe suffering.

torturar

/tor-too-RAHR//toɾtuˈɾaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'torturar' when referring to mental anguish, guilt, or a state of being tormented by one's own thoughts or conscience.
A character holding their head in their hands with dark, swirling clouds hovering closely above them.

Examples

No te tortures más por lo que pasó.

Don't torment yourself anymore over what happened.

Me tortura la duda de si tomé la decisión correcta.

The doubt of whether I made the right decision is tormenting me.

Ese ruido me está torturando, no puedo concentrarme.

That noise is torturing me, I can't concentrate.

Using it with 'se'

When you are the one suffering from your own thoughts, use it with 'se' (torturarse). Example: 'No te tortures' (Don't torture yourself).

Confusing it with 'tormenta'

Mistake: “Me torturó la lluvia.”

Correction: Me molestó la lluvia. While 'torturar' and 'tormenta' (storm) sound similar, 'torturar' is for pain, not weather.

Atormentar vs. Torturar

Learners often confuse 'atormentar' and 'torturar'. Remember that 'atormentar' usually implies an external cause of suffering, like pain or a disturbing situation. 'Torturar' is more often used for internal struggles with guilt or conscience.

Related Translations

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