pánico
/ˈpaniko/masculine
The English word "panic" can be translated into Spanish as pánico.
pánico refers to an overwhelming fear or fright, or an instance of such a feeling. For a specific clinical or sudden instance of a panic attack, use the term ataque de pánico.
Meaning: overwhelming fear or fright, an instance of this (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial term canguelo is used to describe a strong sense of panic.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
pánico is a masculine noun, meaning it is used with masculine articles such as el pánico. To express the action of falling into a state of panic, the standard phrase is entrar en pánico.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaniko/
Did you know?
- The word pánico comes from the Greek god Pan, who was said to create a sudden, groundless fear in people by letting out a loud shout.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a sudden 'attack of panic' is often called an ataque de nervios, which describes a state of emotional crisis rather than just psychological fear.
- While pánico is used for intense fear, Spanish speakers often use pánico escénico to describe specifically the 'stage fright' experienced by performers.
Examples in context
- Que no cunda el pánico.Try not to panic.This sentence is useful for the phrase used with pánico.Tatoeba #10009319 by swyter, translation #2812079 by Hybrid
- No quiero causar pánico.I don't want to cause a panic.Tatoeba #2781936 by marcelostockle, translation #2323291 by CK
- Tom tuvo un ataque de pánico.Tom had a panic attack.Tatoeba #1602712 by Shishir, translation #1600358 by Spamster
- El pánico se apoderó de la multitud cuando se escucharon los disparos.Panic seized the crowd when the shots were heard.
- Me dio mucho miedo perder las llaves del coche. ¡Entré en pánico!I got really scared of losing the car keys. I panicked!
- Cuando escuché el ruido extraño en la casa, me agarró un desespero tremendo.When I heard the strange noise in the house, I was overcome by panic.
- Me agarró una angustia terrible cuando me di cuenta de que había perdido mi billetera.I was overwhelmed by panic when I realized I had lost my wallet.
- No dejes que el pánico te controle.Don't let panic control you.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “panic” translations and entries pánico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
