alboroto
/alboˈɾoto/masculine
The English word riot can be translated into Spanish in several ways depending on the context, with alboroto being the default form. Wiktionary also lists tumulto and algarada.
Meaning: tumultuous disturbance of public peace (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alboroto | /alboˈɾoto/ | masculine |
| tumulto | /tuˈmulto/ | masculine |
| algarada | /alɡaˈɾada/ | feminine |
| asonada | /asoˈnada/ | feminine |
| batiboleo | /batiboleo/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial, masculine |
These terms describe a tumultuous disturbance of public peace.
Which one should you use?
Alboroto can be used for harmless situations, such as children making a lot of noise or a crowd getting excited. In contrast, asonada is used specifically for a political or civil riot intended to disturb public order. algarada often refers to a sudden, unexpected outburst or a sudden attack, sometimes used in a more literary or historical context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Batiboleo is a colloquial term used to describe a chaotic or messy commotion.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Alboroto is a masculine noun, so you must use masculine articles like el or un (e.g., el alboroto). Asonada is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles like la or una (e.g., la asonada).
How do you pronounce it?
/alboˈɾoto/
Did you know?
- The word alboroto comes from the verb alborotar, which is often used in Spanish to describe the act of ruffling a bird's feathers or stirring up a nest.
- The word algarada is often found in Spanish military history to describe a sudden, surprising charge or skirmish rather than a civilian protest.
Examples in context
- provocar una asonadaTo provoke a riotThis sentence shows how to use the term asonada in the context of provoking a riot.
- El país se vio sumido en un disturbio sin precedentes.The country was plunged into an unprecedented riot.
Example conversation
Maria and Daniel are watching the news on TV.
- MaríaMira el alboroto que hay en la calle.Look at the riot on the street.
- DanielParece que mucha gente está muy enfadada.It seems that many people are very angry.
- MaríaEspero que el alboroto termine pronto.I hope the riot ends soon.
- DanielYo también, Daniel quiere ir a casa.Me too, Daniel wants to go home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “riot” translations and entries alboroto, tumulto, algarada, asonada, 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 alboroto, asonada, tumulto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
