crisis nerviosa
/kɾisis neɾbjosa/from spelling rulesfeminine
The English phrase 'nervous breakdown' can be translated into Spanish using crisis nerviosa. Wiktionary also lists ataque de nervios and colapso nervioso.
Meaning: attack of a psychological disorder (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| crisis nerviosa | /kɾisis neɾbjosa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| ataque de nervios | /atake de neɾbjos/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| colapso nervioso | /kolabso neɾbjoso/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| chiripiolca | /t͡ʃiɾipjolka/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| chiripiorca | /t͡ʃiɾipjoɾka/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
These terms are used to describe an attack of a psychological disorder.
Which one should you use?
While crisis nerviosa sounds clinical, ataque de nervios is a more colloquial way to describe a sudden outburst of emotional distress or panic. Colapso nervioso translates as 'nervous collapse' and is often used in more formal or dramatic contexts to describe a complete breakdown of one's mental state.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because crisis nerviosa is feminine, any accompanying adjectives must also be feminine, such as una crisis nerviosa.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾisis neɾbjosa/
Did you know?
- The colloquial form chiripiorca is a much more informal, almost playful, way to describe a sudden, erratic emotional state or a physical tremor.
- The phrase ataque de nervios is recognized by some anthropologists as a culture-bound syndrome specific to certain Latino populations, involving screaming and aggression that may not be seen in clinical 'panic attacks'.
- The word nervio originally referred to a physical anatomical structure, like a nerve or a tendon, rather than an abstract emotional state.
Examples in context
- Ella está al borde de una crisis nerviosa.She is on the verge of a nervous breakdown.This sentence is useful for describing being on the verge of a crisis nerviosa.Tatoeba #2505815 by marcelostockle, translation #2183 by Zifre
- Kaneko estaba tan estresada con su nuevo trabajo que tuvo un ataque de nervios.Kaneko was so stressed out at her new job that she had a nervous breakdown.This sentence is useful for describing someone having an ataque de nervios.Tatoeba #981477 by Shishir, translation #239038 by CN
- Él sufrió una crisis nerviosa tras la noticia.He suffered a nervous breakdown after the news.
Example conversation
Lucía tells Mateo about her former coworker's health.
- LucíaMi excompañero sufrió una crisis nerviosa el mes pasado.My former coworker suffered a nervous breakdown last month.
- Mateo¿De verdad? ¿Qué pasó con él?Really? What happened to him?
- LucíaTenía demasiado trabajo y no podía dormir.He had too much work and couldn't sleep.
- MateoEspero que Mateo se recupere pronto.I hope he recovers soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nervous breakdown” translations and entries ataque de nervios, chiripiolca, chiripiorca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
