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How to Say "uproar" in Spanish

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alboroto

/al-bo-RO-to//alβoˈɾoto/

nounB1general
Use 'alboroto' for a noisy commotion or disturbance, often caused by people, especially children, behaving disruptively.
A colorful illustration showing three simple cartoon farm animals—a pig, a chicken, and a sheep—running away chaotically in different directions, suggesting a sudden disturbance or commotion.

Examples

Los niños armaron un alboroto en el patio de recreo.

The children caused a commotion in the playground.

Hubo tanto alboroto en la calle que no pude dormir.

There was so much noise (racket) in the street that I couldn't sleep.

El director tuvo que intervenir para detener el alboroto que se había formado.

The principal had to intervene to stop the uproar that had developed.

Gender Check

'Alboroto' is a masculine noun, so always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'El alboroto fue terrible' (The racket was terrible).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'alboroto' when you mean the action of making noise, which is 'alborotar.'”

Correction: Use 'alboroto' for the noise itself (the thing), and 'alborotar' (to cause a disturbance) for the action: 'Él alborota' (He causes a disturbance).

escándalo

nounA2general
Choose 'escándalo' when referring to a loud, disruptive noise or racket that is bothering others, often implying a lack of consideration.

Examples

¡Bajen la voz! Están haciendo mucho escándalo.

Lower your voices! You are making a lot of noise/racket.

incendio

een-SEN-dee-oh/inˈθen.djo/

nounC1formal
Use 'incendio' metaphorically to describe a major public disturbance or crisis, especially in a political or social context, like a 'firestorm' of controversy.
A simplified illustration showing a central figure radiating intense, spreading red energy waves toward surrounding figures, symbolizing a sudden outbreak of emotion.

Examples

Las declaraciones del ministro causaron un incendio político.

The minister's statements caused a political firestorm.

Sentía un incendio de celos cada vez que ella hablaba con otro.

He felt a storm of jealousy every time she spoke to someone else.

Distinguishing 'Alboroto' from 'Escándalo'

Learners often confuse 'alboroto' and 'escándalo' because both refer to noisy disturbances. Remember that 'alboroto' typically describes the chaotic action itself, while 'escándalo' focuses more on the loud, bothersome noise created by that action.

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