berrinche
/beˈrint͡ʃe/
The English phrase 'temper tantrum' is translated into Spanish as berrinche.
A berrinche refers to an uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, which is typically associated with young children. To express the action of throwing a temper tantrum, you use the phrase hacer un berrinche.
Which one should you use?
While berrinche is the most widely used informal term for a temper tantrum, you may also use the synonym pataleta to describe a child's outburst or fit.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both berrinche and pataleta are informal terms used to describe these outbursts.
How does it change in a sentence?
Berrinche is a masculine noun. The plural form is berrinches.
How do you pronounce it?
/beˈrintʃe/
Did you know?
- The word berrinche is unexpectedly related to the Latin word for 'boar', verrēs. This suggests the word originally carried a connotation of wild, animalistic behavior.
- While berrinche is the standard term, the synonym pataleta specifically evokes the image of a child stamping or kicking their legs, as it is derived from pata, meaning 'leg' or 'paw'.
- Although berrinche is often used for children, using it to describe an adult's behavior is a common way to mock someone for being immature or behaving stubbornly.
Examples in context
- El niño tuvo una rabieta en el supermercadoThe child had a temper tantrum at the supermarket.
- El niño hizo una pataleta en la tienda de juguetesThe child threw a temper tantrum at the toy store.
- El bebé tuvo un berrinche en el parqueThe baby had a tantrum at the park.
- El niño hizo una pataleta en el restauranteThe child threw a tantrum at the restaurant.
- La niña hizo un pucherazo porque no le dieron su postre favoritoThe girl made a fuss because she didn't get her favorite dessert.
- No me gusta cuando ella hace un berrinche.I don't like it when she throws a temper tantrum.
- Su berrinche fue muy ruidoso y largo.His temper tantrum was very loud and long.
Example conversation
Parents are talking about their son's behavior at the store.
- MaríaMateo, el niño hizo un berrinche en la tienda.Mateo, the boy threw a temper tantrum at the store.
- MateoOtra vez, ¿por qué empezó el berrinche?Again? Why did the temper tantrum start?
- MaríaNo quería dejar el juguete en el estante.He didn't want to leave the toy on the shelf.
- MateoTenemos que enseñarle a controlar sus emociones.We need to teach him to control his emotions.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry berrinche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries berrinche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
