espeluznante
/espeluθˈnante/
The Spanish word for spooky is espeluznante.
espeluznante is an adjective used to describe something eerie or suggestive of ghosts. In Spanish, it often carries a stronger connotation than the English word spooky, frequently leaning towards being terrifying or hair-raising.
Meaning: eerie, suggestive of ghosts (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is related to the verb espeluznar, which means to make one's hair stand on end, making the word literally mean hair-raising.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, espeluznante must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. However, because it ends in -e, the form remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeluθˈnante/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers may use espeluznante to describe a crime or a tragedy, whereas English speakers usually reserve 'spooky' for ghosts.
- In Spanish, the concept of being 'spooked' is often described as poner los pelos de punta, meaning to put the hairs on end.
- The word espeluznante contains a hidden connection to the Latin word 'lacer', meaning torn or lacerated.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué espeluznante!How spooky!This sentence is useful for expressing how spooky something is using espeluznante.Tatoeba #11838718 by Seael, translation #11218213 by shekitten
- La mansión abandonada tiene un aspecto tenebroso.The abandoned mansion has a spooky look.
- Aquella casa abandonada es espeluznante.That abandoned house is spooky.
- ¡Qué tenebrosa es esa música de fondo!How spooky is that background music!
- El ruido escalofrianteThe chilling noise
- Las luces fantasmalesThe ghostly lights
- Una casa aterradora y misteriosaA terrifying and mysterious house
- Un lugar espeluznante y desoladoA chilling and desolate place
- Una historia escalofriante y sobrecogedoraA spine-chilling and overwhelming story
- Ese sonido es muy espeluznante.That sound is very spooky.
- La casa vieja tiene un aire espeluznante.The old house has a spooky vibe.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are walking past a dark forest at night.
- LucíaEste bosque es muy espeluznante.This forest is very spooky.
- DanielTienes razón, Lucía, me da miedo.You're right, Lucía, it scares me.
- LucíaMira esa sombra, es espeluznante.Look at that shadow, it's spooky.
- DanielVamos a casa rápido.Let's go home fast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spooky” translations and entries espeluznante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espeluznante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
