Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rabieta | /raˈbjeta/ | feminine |
| berrinche | /beˈrint͡ʃe/ | masculine |
| pataleta | /pataˈleta/ | feminine |
| cortón | /koɾton/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| corajina | /koɾaˈxina/ | feminine |
| perrera | /peˈreɾa/ | feminine |
| perreta | /pereta/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| chiripiorca | /t͡ʃiɾipjoɾka/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
All these terms refer to a childish display of bad temper or a fit. When you want to say someone is "throwing a tantrum", you typically use the verb hacer (to do/make) with either berrinche or rabieta.
Which one should you use?
While rabieta is the standard term for a tantrum, berrinche is a more colloquial and common way to describe a child's outburst in many Spanish-speaking countries. Other specific forms include pataleta, cortón, corajina, perrera, perreta and chiripiorca.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term pataleta is frequently used to describe a child's tantrum. In many other Spanish-speaking countries, especially in Latin America, berrinche is a common informal choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
Rabieta is a feminine noun, so it must be preceded by feminine articles like la or una. Its plural form is rabietas. Berrinche is a masculine noun, so it must be preceded by masculine articles like el or un. Its plural form is berrinches.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of rabieta is /raˈbjeta/.
Did you know?
- The word berrinche has a surprising connection to animals, as it derives from the Latin word for 'boar'.
- The word chiripiorca is a highly informal and colorful way to describe a sudden fit, often used to suggest a momentary lapse in sanity or a strange bout of behavior.
- In some regions, perrera and perreta are used to describe tantrums, relating the behavior to the agitation of a dog.
Examples in context
- No me puedo explicar el porqué de tu rabieta.I can't explain the reason for your tantrum.This sentence is useful for expressing that the reason for a rabieta cannot be explained.Tatoeba #3049344 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3927186 by Theocracy
- Mi hijo tuvo una rabieta en el supermercadoMy child had a tantrum in the supermarket
- El niño lanzó una pataleta cuando no le compraron el jugueteThe child threw a tantrum when they didn't buy him the toy
- El cliente tuvo un acceso de ira cuando no le dieron el descuentoThe customer had a fit of anger when they didn't give him the discount
- El niño hizo una pataleta porque no quería ir a la camaThe child had a tantrum because he didn't want to go to bed
- Mi hermano tuvo un berrinche cuando no pudo llevar su juguete al parqueMy brother had a tantrum when he couldn't take his toy to the park
- Hoy en el parque, mi hija hizo una pataleta porque no podía subir al columpio.Today at the park, my daughter had a tantrum because she couldn't go on the swing.
- Durante la reunión de trabajo, mi colega tuvo un acceso de ira cuando no se aceptó su propuesta.During the business meeting, my colleague had a fit of anger when his proposal was not accepted.
- El niño lanzó un berrinche en la juguetería porque no le compraron el juguete que quería.The child threw a tantrum in the toy store because they didn't buy him the toy he wanted.
- El niño tuvo una rabieta en el supermercado.The boy had a tantrum in the supermarket.
- No me gusta cuando haces una rabieta por todo.I don't like it when you throw a tantrum about everything.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are talking about their toddler in the kitchen.
- SofíaDaniel, el niño está teniendo una rabieta.Daniel, the boy is having a tantrum.
- DanielOtra vez, ¿por qué se enfada ahora?Again? Why is he angry now?
- SofíaNo quiere comer la sopa.He doesn't want to eat the soup.
- DanielVoy a intentar calmar su rabieta.I will try to calm his tantrum.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tantrum” translations and entries rabieta, berrinche, pataleta, corajina, perrera, perreta, chiripiorca, 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 berrinche, pataleta, rabieta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
