tomar represalias
/tomaɾ ɾepɾesaljas/from spelling rules
To retaliate in Spanish is to say tomar represalias. Wiktionary also lists represaliar and retaliar.
Meaning: do something harmful to get revenge (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tomar represalias | /tomaɾ ɾepɾesaljas/ (from spelling rules) | |
| represaliar | /repɾesaˈljaɾ/ | |
| retaliar | /retaljaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| retalear | /retaleˈaɾ/ | US |
The phrase tomar represalias is frequently used in political, legal and military contexts to describe a counter-action taken in response to an attack or provocation.
Which one should you use?
While tomar represalias is a standard way to describe a counter-action, represaliar and retaliar are also available forms. The phrase Pagar con la misma moneda serves as an informal way to say retaliate in Spanish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
retalear is a localized variant used primarily in certain regions of the United States among Spanish speakers.
How do you pronounce it?
/tomaɾ ɾepɾesaljas/
Did you know?
- The term represalia is deeply tied to the history of the 'Law of Reprisals' in international law, where states seized property to compensate for losses.
- The informal expression pagar con la misma moneda literally translates to 'paying with the same coin'. It describes a specific kind of retaliation where the revenge is a mirror image of the original offense.
- The verb represaliar stems from the Medieval Latin word reprēnsāliabor.
Examples in context
- Si me insulta, le devolveré el insulto.If he insults me, I will retaliate with an insult.
- Si me juega sucio, le pagaré con la misma moneda.If he plays dirty with me, I'll retaliate in kind.
- No hay mejor forma de responder que pagar con la misma moneda.There's no better way to respond than to retaliate in kind.
- Si me atacas, me vengaré sin piedad.If you attack me, I will retaliate mercilessly.
- No deberías tomar represalias contra él.You shouldn't retaliate against him.
- El gobierno decidió no tomar represalias.The government decided not to retaliate.
- Si ellos nos atacan, vamos a tomar represalias.If they attack us, we are going to retaliate.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing a conflict at work.
- JavierSofía, ¿crees que el jefe va a tomar represalias?Sofía, do you think the boss is going to retaliate?
- SofíaNo lo creo, Javier, él es muy profesional.I don't think so, Javier, he is very professional.
- JavierEspero que no, porque me da miedo.I hope not, because I'm afraid.
- SofíaTranquilo, no tienes por qué preocuparte.Calm down, you don't have to worry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “retaliate” translations and entries represaliar, retalear, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries represaliar, tomar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
