colapso
/koˈlabso/
The English word meltdown is translated into Spanish as colapso.
A meltdown refers to a sudden loss of control over one's behavior or emotions. While colapso can be used to describe a psychological meltdown, it is more frequently used to describe a physical or systemic collapse, such as a building, an economy or a medical state. In the context of an emotional meltdown or a mental health crisis, the word crisis is often a more natural choice in Spanish than colapso.
Meaning: (sudden) loss of control over one’s behaviour, emotions, etc., an instance of this (noun)
Which one should you use?
colapso is often used for systemic or physical collapses, whereas crisis is often a more natural choice when discussing mental health or emotional states. For a fit of rage or a nervous breakdown, you might use the informal phrase Ataque de nervios or Montar un show if someone is throwing a tantrum.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈlabso/
Did you know?
- If someone is having a meltdown in a way that is erratic or chaotic, a speaker might say they have perdido los papeles, which literally means they have 'lost the papers'.
- To describe an emotional meltdown as a 'scene', Spanish speakers use montar un show, implying the person is performing for an audience of bystanders.
- If you describe a person as having a colapso, a Spanish speaker might immediately check if they are experiencing a medical emergency, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Examples in context
- Sufrí una crisis nerviosa después de la mala noticia.I had a meltdown after the bad news.
- Nuestro equipo sufrió un colapso emocional tras la derrota.Our team had an emotional collapse after the defeat.
- Después de la discusión, tuvo un ataque de nervios.After the argument, she had a meltdown.
- ¡Deja de armar un lío por cualquier cosa!Stop making a scene over every little thing!
- No puedo creer cómo montaste un show tan grande por esa tontería.I can't believe you made such a big fuss over that nonsense.
- Fue un colapso emocional total.It was a total emotional meltdown.
- Tuve un colapso por el estrés.I had a meltdown due to stress.
- El niño sufrió un colapso en la tienda.The child had a meltdown in the store.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about a stressful day at work.
- Javier¿Estás bien? Pareces muy agotada.Are you okay? You look very exhausted.
- LucíaNo, tuve un colapso nervioso en la oficina.No, I had a nervous meltdown in the office.
- JavierLo siento mucho, Lucía.I am very sorry, Lucía.
- LucíaGracias, Javier. Necesito descansar.Thanks, Javier. I need to rest.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry colapso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
