Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rebelión | /rebeˈljon/ | feminine |
| insurrección | /insureɡˈθjon/ /insureɡˈsjon/ |
feminine |
In Spanish, 'rebellion' refers to armed resistance. The term rebelión is the standard way to express this concept and is derived from the word rebelde, which means a 'rebel'.
Which one should you use?
While rebelión is the standard term, insurrección is a more formal or technical choice often found in political or legal contexts to describe an insurrection. Additionally, levantamiento is a formal term specifically used to describe a significant uprising of a group against authority.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word revuelta is used in various regions, such as Spain and Latin America, to describe a rebellion that implies a disorderly or tumultuous uprising.
How does it change in a sentence?
Rebelión is a feminine noun. This means any adjectives used with it must also be in the feminine form, such as una rebelión armada.
How do you pronounce it?
/rebeˈljon/
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American countries, the term levantamiento is used to describe both a political uprising and the physical act of getting out of bed.
- While rebelión is general, revuelta is closely linked to the verb revolver, meaning 'to stir' or 'to mix'. This suggests a rebellion that is chaotic or turns a society upside down.
- The English word 'rebellion' and the Spanish rebelión are cognates that share the same Latin ancestor, rebelliōnem, which originally meant 'to renew a war'.
Examples in context
- Los agitadores fomentaban la rebelión.The agitators instigated the rebellion.This sentence shows how agitators might instigate a rebelión.Tatoeba #2267942 by hayastan, translation #2267941 by _undertoad
- Dijo que la única solución sería una rebelión de los esclavos.He said the only answer was a slave rebellion.This sentence describes a potential rebelión involving slaves.Tatoeba #8440569 by baudelaire, translation #803269 by Source_VOA
- La rebelión en el país fue rápidamente sofocada por las fuerzas armadas.The rebellion in the country was quickly suppressed by the armed forces.
- El levantamiento popular llevó a un cambio en el gobierno.The popular uprising led to a change in the government.
- Decidí rebelarme contra las reglas establecidas.I decided to rebel against the established rules.
- La rebelión comenzó en el centro de la ciudad.The rebellion began in the city center.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a history documentary.
- Alejandro¿Te interesó el documental sobre la rebelión?Did you find the documentary about the rebellion interesting?
- ElenaSí, fue una historia muy intensa.Yes, it was a very intense story.
- AlejandroElena, ¿crees que fue necesaria esa rebelión?Elena, do you think that rebellion was necessary?
- ElenaNo estoy segura de la opinión de la gente.I am not sure about the people's opinion.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rebellion” translations and entries rebelión, insurrección, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries insurrección, rebelión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
