ataque de pánico
/atake de paniko/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase 'panic attack' is ataque de pánico in Spanish.
The term refers to a sudden period of intense anxiety.
Meaning: sudden period of intense anxiety (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'attack of panic', where ataque means attack and pánico means panic.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Ataque de pánico is widely used. In Spain, Crisis de ansiedad is commonly used. In Colombia, both Ataque de pánico and Crisis de angustia are used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you pluralize the noun ataque to ataques, while the noun pánico remains singular, resulting in ataques de pánico.
Did you know?
- The word pánico comes from the Greek god Pan, who lived in the woods and was said to let out a shout that caused sudden, uncontrollable fear in humans.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a person might describe a panic attack as un ataque de nervios, a culturally specific idiom that can include outward expressions like shouting or trembling.
- In Spanish, the word ataque is used not only for medical episodes but also for sudden cravings, such as an ataque de hambre for a sudden bout of hunger.
Examples in context
- Tom tuvo un ataque de pánico.Tom had a panic attack.Tatoeba #1602712 by Shishir, translation #1600358 by Spamster
- ¿Ha tenido usted algún ataque de pánico recientemente?Have you had any recent panic attacks?
- Siento que voy a tener un ataque de pánico.I feel like I am going to have a panic attack.
- El ruido le causó un ataque de pánico.The noise caused him a panic attack.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is checking on Elena after she felt unwell in a crowded place.
- ElenaMe siento muy mal por el ataque de pánico.I feel very bad because of the panic attack.
- AlejandroTranquila, Elena, ya pasó lo peor.Calm down, Elena, the worst is over.
- Elena¿Crees que me dé otro ataque de pánico?Do you think I will have another panic attack?
- AlejandroNo, respira conmigo para que te calmes.No, breathe with me so you can calm down.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “panic attack” translations and entries ataque de pánico, 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.
