desastre
/deˈsastɾe/masculine
The English word 'disaster' is translated into Spanish as desastre.
Desastre is the most common word for 'disaster' and refers to an unexpected catastrophe that causes physical damage. The phrase un desastre can be used figuratively to describe a person who is disorganized or a situation that is chaotic. You can use caos to describe the resulting disorder and disaster when a situation becomes uncontrollable.
Meaning: unexpected catastrophe causing physical damage, etc. (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, desgracia may be used as a synonym for 'disaster.'
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun desastre is masculine. To express the plural 'disasters', use desastres.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈsastɾe/
When do people say it?
The word tragedia can be used to express a severe disaster with a profound impact on people's lives.
Did you know?
- The word desastre shares a root with the word 'star'. It originally described an 'ill-starred' event, reflecting an ancient belief that disasters were caused by an unlucky alignment of the stars.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase ¡Qué desastre! is frequently used as a lighthearted exclamation when someone makes a small mess, such as spilling a drink, rather than for a true catastrophe.
- The word desgracia can mean 'disaster' or 'misfortune', but it literally translates to a 'lack of grace', linking a disaster to a loss of divine favor.
Examples in context
- Ella es un desastre.She's a disaster.This sentence uses desastre to describe a person.Tatoeba #13933008 by BenjaBesings_14, translation #8390784 by Amastan
- Fue un total desastre.It was a total disaster.Tatoeba #5971223 by albrusgher, translation #2207464 by Hybrid
- Aquello era un desastre.It was a disaster.Tatoeba #8318028 by arh, translation #2549036 by CK
- El terremoto fue un desastre para la región.The earthquake was a disaster for the region.
- La inundación fue una catástrofe natural.The flood was a natural disaster.
- El incendio en la fábrica fue una tragedia para los empleados.The fire in the factory was a disaster for the employees.
- ¡El concierto fue un desastre total!The concert was a complete disaster!
- El proyecto se convirtió en un lío sin solución.The project turned into an unsolvable disaster.
- La tormenta fue una desgracia para el pueblo.The storm was a disaster for the town.
- La fiesta terminó en un desmadre total.The party ended in complete disaster.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are talking about a recent earthquake.
- MateoEl terremoto fue un desastre para la ciudad.The earthquake was a disaster for the city.
- SofíaSí, muchas casas quedaron destruidas.Yes, many houses were destroyed.
- MateoEs el peor desastre de la década.It is the worst disaster of the decade.
- SofíaEspero que la ayuda llegue pronto.I hope the help arrives soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disaster” translations and entries desastre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desastre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
