chasco
/ˈt͡ʃasko/masculine
The English word "bummer" can be translated into Spanish using several terms depending on the context, most commonly chasco. Wiktionary also lists quemón and frentazo.
Meaning: a disappointment, a pity, a shame (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chasco | /ˈt͡ʃasko/ | masculine |
| quemón | /kemon/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| frentazo | /fɾentaθo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /fɾentaso/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
In a neutral context, chasco describes a sudden disappointment or a letdown, typically occurring when an expectation is not met.
Which one should you use?
While chasco refers to the feeling of disappointment or the event that caused it, quemón is used specifically to imply social embarrassment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term bronca is used to convey feelings of frustration or disappointment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun chasco follows standard Spanish rules and forms its plural as chascos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃasko/
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, the word frentazo can be used to describe a 'bummer'. It literally refers to a 'head-butt' or a hit to the forehead, implying the disappointment hit you hard.
- The word chasco is thought to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sharp sound of a whip cracking. This suggests the feeling of a 'bummer' is like a sudden, sharp sting of disappointment.
- Spanish distinguishes between a private disappointment and a public 'bummer'. While chasco is a general letdown, quemón is used specifically when the disappointment involves being embarrassed in front of others.
Examples in context
- Me causó mucha decepción perder el trabajo.Losing the job was a bummer for me.
- El contratiempo con el vuelo arruinó nuestras vacaciones.The flight setback ruined our vacation.
- ¡Mala suerte! Perdimos el partido por un gol en el último minuto.Bummer! We lost the game due to a last-minute goal.
- No pudimos asistir al concierto. ¡Qué lástima!We couldn't attend the concert. What a bummer!
- Me ganaron el partido en los últimos segundos. ¡Qué bronca!They won the game in the last seconds. Bummer!
- Fue un gran chasco que no viniera.It was a great disappointment that he didn't come.
- Perder el vuelo fue un chasco.Missing the flight was a bummer.
- No quiero pasar otro chasco en el trabajo.I don't want to experience another disappointment at work.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a cancelled concert.
- DanielMaría, el concierto se canceló.María, the concert was cancelled.
- María¡Qué chasco! Tenía muchas ganas de ir.What a bummer! I really wanted to go.
- DanielLo siento, fue un chasco para todos.I'm sorry, it was a bummer for everyone.
- MaríaNo importa, buscaremos otro plan.It doesn't matter, we will look for another plan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bummer” translations and entries chasco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chasco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
