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How to Say "violent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

violento

bee-oh-LEHN-toh/bjoˈlento/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'violento' when referring to aggressive or forceful behavior, such as in movies, actions, or general displays of aggression.
A colorful illustration of a small tree being bent severely by a powerful, unseen wind, symbolizing forceful action.

Examples

La película era demasiado violenta para los niños.

The movie was too violent for the children.

Necesitamos un cambio, esta situación es violenta e injusta.

We need a change; this situation is aggressive and unfair.

El guardia de seguridad tuvo que detener al hombre violento.

The security guard had to stop the violent man.

Gender and Number Match

As an adjective, 'violento' must match the thing it describes. Use 'violenta' for feminine singular nouns (la mujer violenta), 'violentos' for masculine plural (los hombres violentos), and 'violentas' for feminine plural (las acciones violentas).

Confusing Adjective and Adverb

Mistake: “Él actuó violento.”

Correction: Él actuó violentamente. (Use the adverb 'violentamente' when describing how an action was performed.)

agresivo

/ah-greh-SEE-boh//a.ɣɾeˈsi.βo/

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'agresivo' when describing someone or something, including animals, that exhibits physical aggression or a tendency to attack.
A small dog baring its teeth and growling at a toy.

Examples

Mi perro no es agresivo, solo quiere jugar.

My dog is not aggressive; he just wants to play.

Me asusté porque me habló con un tono muy agresivo.

I got scared because he spoke to me in a very aggressive tone.

Matching Gender and Number

Since this is a describing word, change the ending to '-a' for girls/feminine objects, '-os' for groups of boys, and '-as' for groups of girls.

The Double 'G' Trap

Mistake: “aggresivo”

Correction: agresivo (only one 'g' in Spanish!)

furioso

/foo-ree-OH-so//fuˈɾjoso/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'furioso' to describe intense, untamed natural forces like storms or the sea, or in the context of a battle or intense rage.
A simplified illustration of a violent, intense storm over the ocean, showing huge crashing waves and dark, swirling clouds.

Examples

El mar estaba furioso y nadie se atrevió a navegar.

The sea was fierce/raging and no one dared to sail.

Ganó la carrera con una velocidad furiosa.

He won the race with furious speed (great intensity/speed).

Violento vs. Agresivo

Learners often confuse 'violento' and 'agresivo'. While both can mean aggressive, 'violento' is more commonly used for actions, media, or general forceful behavior, whereas 'agresivo' often implies a direct, physical threat or tendency to attack, especially with people or animals.

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