efecto dominó
/eˌfeɡto domiˈno/
The English phrase 'ripple effect' can be translated into Spanish as efecto dominó.
efecto dominó is used to describe one event instigating a set of other events.
Meaning: one event instigating a set of other events (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'domino effect', which is the most common way to express the concept of a 'ripple effect' in Spanish.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˌfeɡto domiˈno/
Did you know?
- The word dominó in Spanish does not just refer to the game tiles but also to a type of hooded cloak historically worn by monks and later by nobility.
- While efecto dominó describes a chain of events, the verb desencadenar used in similar contexts literally means 'to remove a chain'.
- The phrase efecto dominó was a staple of Cold War political commentary to describe how one revolution in Latin America could trigger others.
Examples in context
- El recorte de empleos en la empresa tuvo un efecto dominó en la economía local.The job cuts in the company had a ripple effect on the local economy.
- El rumor generó una onda expansiva en toda la comunidad estudiantil.The rumor generated a ripple effect throughout the student community.
- La crisis causó un efecto dominó en la economía.The crisis caused a domino effect in the economy.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing how a single delay affected their work day.
- AlejandroEl retraso del tren causó un efecto dominó en mi horario.The train delay caused a domino effect in my schedule.
- ElenaLo siento, Alejandro, eso siempre sucede en esta ciudad.I am sorry, Alejandro, that always happens in this city.
- AlejandroAhora llegaré tarde a todas mis reuniones.Now I will be late to all my meetings.
- ElenaTranquilo, yo te ayudo a avisar a los demás.Don't worry, I will help you notify the others.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry efecto dominó, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
