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How to Say "turmoil" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tormenta

tor-MEN-tatoɾˈmenta

nounB2general
Use 'tormenta' when the turmoil is specifically a sudden, intense, and disruptive crisis, often in a political context, like a 'political storm'.
A storybook illustration of a simple character having an emotional outburst, shown by a volatile, jagged cloud of red and yellow lines erupting forcefully from the top of their head.

Examples

Su renuncia provocó una tormenta política en el país.

His resignation caused a political storm (crisis) in the country.

Ella tuvo una tormenta de lágrimas después de la noticia.

She had an outburst of tears after the news.

La empresa atraviesa una tormenta financiera.

The company is going through a financial crisis/turmoil.

Figurative Use

This meaning uses 'tormenta' as a strong metaphor, similar to English, to describe chaotic situations or intense feelings.

agitación

nounC1general
Choose 'agitación' to describe a general state of unrest, disturbance, or commotion, often implying a restless or agitated atmosphere.

Examples

Hubo mucha agitación política antes de las elecciones.

There was a lot of political unrest before the elections.

convulsión

nounC1general
Opt for 'convulsión' when referring to a period of severe instability, upheaval, or drastic change, often implying a more serious or chaotic situation than 'agitación'.

Examples

El país atraviesa una etapa de convulsión política.

The country is going through a stage of political upheaval.

Agitación vs. Convulsión vs. Tormenta

Learners often confuse 'agitación' and 'convulsión' for general unrest. Remember 'convulsión' implies a more severe, disruptive, and potentially chaotic period of change, while 'agitación' is a broader term for general disturbance or restlessness.

Related Translations

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