temblor
everyday, Mexico
In Mexico the everyday word is temblor. Officials and news use sismo, and terremoto is kept for a very strong, destructive quake.
Meaning: a shaking of the ground (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| temblor | everyday, Mexico |
| sismo | official |
| terremoto | strong quake |
People say hubo un temblor even for a noticeable shake. The national alert is called alerta sísmica and the news says sismo de magnitud 6.
Which one should you use?
A small quake is a temblor, a strong damaging one is a terremoto. Sismo sits in between and is the word of experts and authorities.
When do people say it?
Mexico City has a public seismic alert system, and the sirens are part of daily life, with a national drill held every year on September 19.
Did you know?
- The date September 19 is remembered in Mexico for the 1985 and 2017 earthquakes, and a drill is held on that day each year.
Examples in context
- Ayer hubo un temblor fuerte.There was a strong earthquake yesterday.
- El sismo fue de magnitud 5.The quake was magnitude 5.
- El terremoto de 1985 destruyó muchos edificios.The 1985 earthquake destroyed many buildings.
Example conversation
Diana and her coworker Chema feel a shake in an office in Mexico City.
- Diana¡Está temblando!It is shaking!
- ChemaSalgamos con calma.Let us go out calmly.
- DianaYa pasó. Fue un temblor leve.It is over. It was a light quake.
