choque
/ˈt͡ʃoke/
The English word 'clash' can be translated into Spanish as choque.
Choque is used to describe an angry argument or a clash of interests and opinions. While it can refer to a physical collision, such as a car crash, it is used metaphorically to describe a clash between personalities or ideas.
Meaning: angry argument (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term choque comes from the verb chocar, which means to crash or collide.
Which one should you use?
While choque describes a clash or collision, if the situation is specifically a verbal argument between people, the word discusión is often a more common way to describe the event. Other related terms include enfrentamiento for a confrontation, rivalidad for a competitive rivalry and conflicto for a general conflict. In a more informal sense, you might use lío to describe a mess or trouble.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃoke/
Did you know?
- The word choque actually has two different origins depending on the meaning. While it usually comes from the verb chocar, the version used for a medical or emotional 'shock' was borrowed directly from the English word 'shock'.
- If a person is described as chocante, it does not mean they are argumentative. Instead it means they are quirky, surprising or even slightly annoying in an eccentric way.
- The word chocar can also be used to say that something 'clashes' with your sensibilities or is 'offensive'. To say something 'me choca' is to say it strikes you as quite disagreeable.
Examples in context
- En la reunión de hoy, hubo un fuerte conflicto de intereses entre los departamentos de marketing y ventas.In today's meeting, there was a significant clash of interests between the marketing and sales departments.
- ¡Anoche, se armó una gran pelea en el partido de fútbol!Last night, there was a big fight at the soccer match!
- Hubo un choque de opiniones en la reunión.There was a clash of opinions in the meeting.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about a meeting with their clients.
- SofíaJavier, ¿viste el choque entre los clientes?Javier, did you see the clash between the clients?
- JavierSí, Sofía, fue muy incómodo para todos.Yes, Sofía, it was very uncomfortable for everyone.
- SofíaEspero que no pase más.I hope it doesn't happen again.
- JavierYo también, fue un momento tenso.Me too, it was a tense moment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry choque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries choque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
