How to Say "upheaval" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “upheaval” is “agitación” — use this when referring to general unrest or a state of disturbance, often in a political or social context.
agitación
Examples
Hubo mucha agitación política antes de las elecciones.
There was a lot of political unrest before the elections.
conmoción
kon-mo-SYONkonmoˈsjon
Examples
La noticia de su renuncia causó una gran conmoción en la oficina.
The news of his resignation caused a great shock in the office.
Hubo una conmoción en la calle tras el accidente.
There was a commotion in the street after the accident.
Identifying Feminine Words
Most words ending in '-ción' are feminine, so you should use 'la' or 'una' with this word.
Don't confuse with just 'emotion'
Mistake: “Using 'conmoción' for any feeling.”
Correction: Use 'conmoción' only for very strong, jarring shocks or public disturbances; use 'emoción' for general feelings.
convulsión
kon-bool-SYONkom.bulˈsjon
Examples
El país atraviesa una etapa de convulsión política.
The country is going through a stage of political upheaval.
La caída del muro provocó una convulsión social en toda Europa.
The fall of the wall caused social turmoil throughout Europe.
Hubo una convulsión en los mercados financieros tras la noticia.
There was a disturbance in the financial markets following the news.
Metaphorical Shaking
Just like the body shakes during a medical seizure, this word describes a society or market 'shaking' with change.
trastorno
tras-TOR-notɾasˈtoɾno
Examples
El psicólogo diagnosticó un trastorno de ansiedad.
The psychologist diagnosed an anxiety disorder.
Perder el tren fue un gran trastorno para nuestro viaje.
Missing the train was a big inconvenience for our trip.
La nueva ley provocó un trastorno en el mercado inmobiliario.
The new law caused an upheaval in the real estate market.
Always Masculine
Even if the person suffering from the disorder is female, the word 'trastorno' always stays masculine: 'Ella tiene un trastorno'.
Verbs to use with it
When talking about life problems, use 'causar' (to cause) or 'suponer' (to involve/mean). Example: 'Esto supone un trastorno' (This is an inconvenience).
Confusing the noun and adjective
Mistake: “Estoy muy trastorno.”
Correction: Estoy muy trastornado (I am very upset/disturbed). Use 'trastorno' for the 'thing' and 'trastornado' for the 'person'.
boom
/boom/ (like the English word)bum
Examples
El país experimentó un boom inmobiliario en los años 90.
The country experienced a real estate boom in the 90s.
Estamos viviendo el boom de la música urbana a nivel mundial.
We are currently experiencing the boom of urban music worldwide.
El boom demográfico puso presión en los servicios públicos.
The demographic surge put pressure on public services.
Gender Rule
Even though 'boom' comes from English, in Spanish it is always treated as masculine: 'el boom'. Remember to use masculine articles and adjectives with it.
Using the wrong article
Mistake: “La boom”
Correction: El boom. Always use 'el' for this word, as it is a masculine noun.
terremoto
tehr-reh-MOH-tohter.reˈmo.to
Examples
Ese niño es un terremoto; tiró todos los juguetes al suelo.
That kid is a force of nature; he threw all the toys on the floor.
La crisis económica fue un terremoto político en el país.
The economic crisis was a political upheaval in the country.
Describing People
Even when describing a female person, you still use the masculine noun 'el terremoto' because you are referring to the disruptive force, not the person's gender.
Distinguishing Agitación, Conmoción, and Convulsión
Related Translations
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