Inklingo

How to Say "upheaval" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conmoción

/kon-mo-SYON//konmoˈsjon/

nounB2general
Use 'conmoción' when referring to a sudden, often disruptive, emotional or social shock that causes significant disturbance.
A person sitting with their hands over their heart, looking surprised and wide-eyed.

Examples

La renuncia del CEO provocó una gran conmoción en la junta directiva.

The CEO's resignation caused a great upheaval in the board of directors.

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.

boom

/boom/ (like the English word)/bum/

nounB2general
Choose 'boom' when describing a period of rapid and significant economic growth or a sudden surge in popularity or activity.
A tall stack of gold coins rapidly growing next to a small, brightly colored factory building, symbolizing rapid economic growth.

Examples

La ciudad vivió un boom turístico tras la construcción del nuevo aeropuerto.

The city experienced a tourism boom after the construction of the new airport.

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-toh/ter.reˈmo.to/

nounC1general
Employ 'terremoto' metaphorically to describe an event that causes a profound and destabilizing change, akin to a natural disaster's impact.
An illustration of a meticulously stacked tower of colorful building blocks collapsing and scattering violently, symbolizing an upheaval or major crisis.

Examples

El escándalo político fue un verdadero terremoto para el gobierno.

The political scandal was a true upheaval for the government.

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.

Conmoción vs. Terremoto

Learners often confuse 'conmoción' and 'terremoto' when referring to major changes. 'Conmoción' typically implies a disruption or shock, often with social or emotional elements, while 'terremoto' suggests a more profound, destabilizing, and fundamental shift.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.