Inklingo

How to Say "unrest" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “unrest” is “malestar” — use this word to describe a general feeling of social or political dissatisfaction and unease, often stemming from specific issues like economic problems.

malestar🔊B2

Use this word to describe a general feeling of social or political dissatisfaction and unease, often stemming from specific issues like economic problems.

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descontento🔊B2

Choose this translation when the focus is specifically on a widespread feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness within a population, often without immediate public disorder.

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agitaciónC1

This term is best for describing active social or political trouble, implying a more dynamic and potentially volatile situation than mere discontent.

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disturbio🔊B2

Use this word when referring to a specific instance of public disturbance, such as a riot or a commotion, often implying a breach of public order.

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desorden🔊B2

This word signifies a state of public disorder or chaos, often a consequence of larger events like government collapse, implying a lack of control and structure.

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alteraciónB2

Choose this translation when describing a disruption or disorder, especially one that affects a person's emotional state or causes a noticeable change in behavior due to external events.

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English → Spanish

malestar

mah-les-TAHRmalesˈtaɾ

nounB2general
Use this word to describe a general feeling of social or political dissatisfaction and unease, often stemming from specific issues like economic problems.
A group of diverse people standing together in a public square looking unhappy and holding blank signs.

Examples

Hay mucho malestar social por la subida de los precios.

There is a lot of social unrest due to the price increases.

Sus palabras crearon malestar entre los empleados.

His words created unease among the employees.

El malestar político se nota en las calles.

The political discontent is noticeable in the streets.

Abstract Noun

When talking about society or politics, 'malestar' is often singular even if many people are unhappy.

Unrest vs. Discomfort

Mistake: “The people feel physical malestar.”

Correction: The people feel social malestar.

descontento

des-kon-TEN-tohdeskonˈtento

nounB2general
Choose this translation when the focus is specifically on a widespread feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness within a population, often without immediate public disorder.
A group of people standing together with crossed arms and unhappy facial expressions.

Examples

El descontento social creció durante la crisis.

Social discontent grew during the crisis.

Hay mucho descontento entre los empleados.

There is a lot of dissatisfaction among the employees.

El gobierno ignoró el descontento de la población.

The government ignored the population's unrest.

It's always Masculine

When used as a noun (the feeling), it is always 'el descontento', regardless of who is feeling it.

Wrong Article

Mistake: “Saying 'la descontento'.”

Correction: Always use 'el' because it is a masculine noun.

agitación

nounC1general
This term is best for describing active social or political trouble, implying a more dynamic and potentially volatile situation than mere discontent.

Examples

Hubo mucha agitación política antes de las elecciones.

There was a lot of political unrest before the elections.

disturbio

dees-TOOR-byohdisˈtuɾβjo

nounB2general
Use this word when referring to a specific instance of public disturbance, such as a riot or a commotion, often implying a breach of public order.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a chaotic street scene with overturned objects and a crowd of people in the background.

Examples

Hubo un disturbio en la plaza principal ayer.

There was a disturbance in the main square yesterday.

La policía intervino para detener los disturbios callejeros.

The police intervened to stop the street riots.

El gobierno teme que la crisis económica cause disturbios sociales.

The government fears that the economic crisis will cause social unrest.

It's a 'Naming Word' (Noun)

Since it ends in -o, it is masculine. You should use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Using the Plural

When talking about general chaos or ongoing protests, it is very common to use the plural form: 'los disturbios'.

The 'To Disturb' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'disturbio' to mean the action 'to disturb'.”

Correction: Say 'molestar' for bothering someone, or 'perturbar' for disrupting something. 'Disturbio' is only the event (the riot).

Missing the 'i'

Mistake: “Writing 'disturbo'.”

Correction: Make sure to include the 'i' before the 'o': 'disturbio'.

desorden

des-OR-dendesˈorðen

nounB2general
This word signifies a state of public disorder or chaos, often a consequence of larger events like government collapse, implying a lack of control and structure.
A colorful storybook illustration depicting a tall, organized tower made of square building blocks suddenly collapsing into a wide, disorganized heap on the ground, symbolizing structural chaos.

Examples

La caída del gobierno provocó un desorden social generalizado.

The fall of the government caused widespread social disorder.

El médico le diagnosticó un desorden del sueño.

The doctor diagnosed him with a sleep disorder.

alteración

nounB2general
Choose this translation when describing a disruption or disorder, especially one that affects a person's emotional state or causes a noticeable change in behavior due to external events.

Examples

Su alteración era evidente cuando recibió la noticia.

Her agitation was obvious when she received the news.

Distinguishing between 'malestar'/'descontento' and more active terms

Learners often confuse the general feelings of 'malestar' or 'descontento' with the more active 'agitación' or 'disturbio'. Remember that 'malestar' and 'descontento' describe a state of dissatisfaction, while 'agitación' and 'disturbio' imply more active trouble or disorder.

Related Translations

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