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How to Say "to torture" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atormentar

/ah-tor-men-TAR//atormenˈtar/

verbB1general
Use 'atormentar' when describing something that causes persistent and severe mental anguish or physical discomfort, like a recurring nightmare or a nagging worry.
A small figure sitting on the ground looking distressed while a large, dark, swirling storm cloud looms directly over them.

Examples

La culpa por sus acciones lo atormentaba día y noche.

The guilt for his actions tormented him day and night.

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/

verbB2general
Use 'torturar' when referring to the deliberate infliction of physical or psychological pain, especially in contexts such as interrogation, punishment, or warfare.
A sad character sitting in a dark room with a single spotlight, looking physically exhausted and distressed.

Examples

El régimen fue acusado de torturar a los disidentes políticos.

The regime was accused of torturing political dissidents.

Muchos prisioneros fueron torturados durante la guerra.

Many prisoners were tortured during the war.

Es ilegal torturar a cualquier persona bajo cualquier circunstancia.

It is illegal to torture anyone under any circumstances.

La policía no puede torturar a los sospechosos para obtener información.

The police cannot torture suspects to get information.

A Regular Action

This verb follows the standard pattern for -ar verbs, making it very predictable for learners. There are no surprise changes in the root.

The 'Personal A'

Since this verb usually involves an action done to a person, you must use 'a' after it. For example: 'Torturaron a los rebeldes'.

Don't skip the 'a'

Mistake: “El villano tortura el héroe.”

Correction: El villano tortura al héroe. You need 'al' (a + el) because you are acting upon a specific person.

Choosing between 'atormentar' and 'torturar'

Learners often confuse these words because both involve suffering. Remember that 'torturar' implies a more direct, intentional act of inflicting pain, often with a specific purpose. 'Atormentar' describes a more general state of distress or torment, which can be caused by internal feelings or external, less direct circumstances.

Related Translations

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