apocalipsis
/apokaˈlibsis/masculine
The English phrase 'apocalypse' is translated into Spanish as apocalipsis.
The word apocalipsis refers to the end of the world. It can be used to describe various catastrophic events, such as a nuclear or zombie apocalypse.
Meaning: end of the world (noun)
Which one should you use?
You should use the capitalized Apocalipsis when referring specifically to the biblical Book of Revelation or the written account of a revelation of hidden things given by God to a chosen prophet. In casual conversation, rather than using the formal apocalipsis, speakers might use the word desastre to describe a disastrous or apocalyptic event.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun apocalipsis is masculine and is used with the masculine article el (e.g., el apocalipsis).
How do you pronounce it?
/apokaˈlibsis/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid treating apocalipsis as a feminine noun. It is strictly masculine. Do not use la apocalipsis.
Did you know?
- The term apocalipsis comes from the Greek word for 'revelation' or 'unveiling', rather than a word meaning 'destruction'.
- The word apocalipsis is a 'learned borrowing', meaning it entered Spanish through written Latin texts rather than evolving naturally from spoken Vulgar Latin.
- In some Latin American dialects, the phrase el fin del mundo is used more frequently in casual speech than apocalipsis to describe a personal catastrophe.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuándo es el apocalipsis?When is the Apocalypse?This sentence is useful for asking about the timing of the apocalypse using apocalipsis.Tatoeba #1485204 by marcelostockle, translation #885674 by Trailsend
- un apocalipsis nuclearA nuclear apocalypseThis phrase shows how to describe a nuclear apocalypse using apocalipsis.
- ¿Dónde están los Nerfs que te presté? Los necesito para el próximo apocalipsis zombi.Where's the Nerf guns I lent you? I need them for the next zombie apocalypse.This sentence demonstrates the use of apocalipsis in the context of a zombie apocalypse.Tatoeba #10302089 by DJ_Saidez, translation #9345081 by DJ_Saidez
- El apocalipsis bíblico describe el fin del mundo según las escrituras.The biblical apocalypse describes the end of the world according to the scriptures.
- Después de esa catástrofe, parecía el fin del mundo.After that catastrophe, it seemed like the end of the world.
- El país se enfrenta a un posible cataclismo económico si no toma medidas urgentes.The country is facing a potential economic cataclysm if urgent measures are not taken.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a disaster movie on TV.
- LucíaEsa película trata sobre el apocalipsis.That movie is about the apocalypse.
- MateoEs un poco aterradora, ¿no?It is a bit scary, isn't it?
- LucíaSí, parece el fin de todo.Yes, it looks like the end of everything.
- MateoMenos mal que no es real.It is a good thing it is not real.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “apocalypse” translations and entries apocalipsis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apocalipsis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
