desorden
/desˈoɾden/
The English phrase disorder can be translated into Spanish as desorden or trastorno.
Meaning: physical or psychical malfunction (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| desorden | /desˈoɾden/ | |
| trastorno | /tɾasˈtoɾno/ | masculine |
The term used depends on whether you are describing a lack of organization or a medical condition. Use desorden to describe physical clutter, a lack of tidiness or a general state of chaos. Use trastorno to refer specifically to a medical or psychological malfunction, such as a clinical condition.
Which one should you use?
Desorden is a general term used for a lack of order, a mess or physical clutter. In contrast, trastorno is the specific term used in medical or psychological contexts to describe a clinical disorder.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Trastorno is a masculine noun. The adjective form desordenado can be used to describe the state of a person or an object.
How do you pronounce it?
/desˈoɾden/
Did you know?
- In a legal or political context, desorden público is the standard term for 'civil unrest' or 'riot', moving beyond simple tidiness.
- In some regions, desorden can be used colloquially to describe a wild party or a chaotic social gathering.
- While trastorno refers to a medical condition, its root verb trastornar can also mean to physically overturn or flip something over.
Examples in context
- En la calle impera el desorden.Disorder prevails in the street.This sentence shows how to describe a general lack of order in a street using desorden.Tatoeba #2265754 by cueyayotl, translation #2265753 by _undertoad
- Tom tiene un desorden esquizoafectivo.Tom has schizoaffective disorder.This sentence demonstrates the medical usage of desorden in a clinical context.Tatoeba #10067438 by manufrutos, translation #10065720 by shekitten
- El escritorio está totalmente desordenado.The desk is in a state of total disorder.This sentence illustrates how to describe a state of physical disorder using desorden.Tatoeba #5038220 by don_ramon, translation #48842 by Zifre
- Mi hermana fue diagnosticada con un trastorno de ansiedad.My sister was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
- La esquizofrenia es una enfermedad mental grave.Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder.
- El médico especialista en patología analizó sus trastornos del sueño.The specialist in pathology analyzed their sleep disorders.
- Su adicción a las drogas la llevó a vivir en completo caos.Her drug addiction led her to live in complete disorder.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is talking to María about his health issues.
- AlejandroSiento que tengo un desorden digestivo.I feel like I have a digestive disorder.
- MaríaDeberías ir al médico, Alejandro.You should go to the doctor, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, este desorden me molesta mucho.Yes, this disorder bothers me a lot.
- MaríaEspero que te sientas mejor pronto.I hope you feel better soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disorder” translations and entries desorden, trastorno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
