terremoto
/tereˈmoto/masculine
The Spanish word for earthquake is terremoto.
The term refers to the shaking of the surface of a planet.
Meaning: shaking of the surface of a planet (noun)
Which one should you use?
While terremoto is the common word for an earthquake, sismo is often used in technical, scientific or news contexts to refer to any seismic activity, such as a seismic event or tremor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, terremoto is the most common term, though you may also hear seísmo. In Central American countries, temblor is more commonly used. In Mexico, movimiento telúrico is a known variation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of terremoto is terremotos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tereˈmoto/
Did you know?
- In Chile, a terremoto is also a popular traditional drink made of pipeño wine, pineapple ice and grenadine.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, terremoto is used as a slang term for a very hyperactive or mischievous child who cannot stay still.
- Spanish uses the verb temblar to describe both the earth shaking and a person shivering from cold or fear.
Examples in context
- Hubo un terremoto ayer.There was an earthquake yesterday.This sentence shows how to state that an earthquake occurred yesterday using terremoto.Tatoeba #941401 by hayastan, translation #349092 by zipangu
- Ayer hubo un terremoto.Yesterday there was an earthquake.This sentence shows an alternative word order to say an earthquake occurred yesterday using terremoto.Tatoeba #1707598 by teskmon, translation #1578588 by CM
- Él murió en el terremoto.He was killed in the earthquake.This sentence describes someone being killed in an earthquake using terremoto.Tatoeba #1818174 by hayastan, translation #1817373 by Amastan
- Ayer hubo un terremoto en la costa.Yesterday, there was an earthquake on the coast.
- El último sismo registrado fue de magnitud 6.0.The last earthquake recorded was a magnitude 6.0.
- ¿Hubo algún herido en el terremoto?Were there any casualties in the earthquake?
- ¿Es seguro entrar en ese edificio después del sismo?Is it safe to enter that building after the earthquake?
- 80 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking in their living room after a tremor.
- Elena¿Sentiste el terremoto, Daniel?Did you feel the earthquake, Daniel?
- DanielSí, Elena, fue muy impresionante.Yes, Elena, it was very impressive.
- ElenaEspero que no haya más terremotos.I hope there are no more earthquakes.
- DanielYo también lo espero.I hope so too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “earthquake” translations and entries terremoto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
