Greetings! If you’re looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary and learn how to say “to panic” in different contexts, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this feeling. We’ll provide tips, examples, and even touch on regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Expressions for “to Panic”
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to choose words and phrases that convey panic without sounding too casual. Below are some formal expressions you can use:
- Entrar en pánico: This is a common expression meaning “to panic” in formal situations. It can be used in various contexts. For example:
María entró en pánico cuando se dio cuenta de que había perdido su billetera. (Maria panicked when she realized she had lost her wallet.)
Sentir pánico: Another formal way to express panic is by using the phrase “sentir pánico.” Here’s an example:
Encontrarse en medio de una multitud desconocida puede hacer que algunas personas sientan pánico. (Being in the middle of an unknown crowd can make some people feel panic.)
Desesperarse: Although it translates more closely to “to despair,” using the verb “desesperarse” can also convey a sense of panic in formal settings. For instance:
Los pasajeros se desesperaron cuando el avión comenzó a agitarse inesperadamente. (The passengers panicked when the plane started shaking unexpectedly.)
Estar aterrorizado/a: To express extreme panic or terror in a formal manner, you can say “estar aterrorizado” for males or “estar aterrorizada” for females. Here’s an example:
El testigo estaba aterrorizado al ver al sospechoso. (The witness was terrified when seeing the suspect.)
Informal Ways to Say “to Panic”
Now, let’s explore some informal ways of expressing panic in Spanish. These phrases are commonly used in everyday conversations among friends or family:
- Asustarse: Using the verb “asustarse” is a common way to express panic in a more relaxed setting. For example:
Me asusté cuando vi una sombra en el pasillo oscuro. (I panicked when I saw a shadow in the dark hallway.)
Entrar en shock: Although not precisely “to panic,” saying “entrar en shock” can convey the idea of being in a shocked state due to a distressing event:
Después del accidente, Juan entró en shock y no podía responder correctamente. (After the accident, Juan went into shock and couldn’t respond properly.)
Ponerse nervioso/a: This phrase means “to get nervous” but can also capture the underlying sense of panic in informal situations:
Antes de hacer una presentación, siempre me pongo nerviosa y siento un poco de pánico. (Before giving a presentation, I always get nervous and feel a bit of panic.)
Dar un ataque de nervios: Literally meaning “to have a nervous breakdown,” this expression is used to describe a severe panic attack or emotional distress:
Cuando se dio cuenta de que se había olvidado la tarea, Ana dio un ataque de nervios. (When she realized she had forgotten her homework, Ana had a panic attack.)
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in various countries, each with its own unique expressions. While the previously mentioned phrases are widely understood, some regional variations exist:
- Latin America: In some Latin American countries, the phrase “entrar en crisis” can be used instead of “entrar en pánico” to express panic. For instance:
El equipo de fútbol entró en crisis luego de recibir dos goles. (The soccer team panicked after receiving two goals.)
Spain: In Spain, you may come across the expression “coger un ataque” as a colloquial way of saying “to have a panic attack.” Here’s an example:
Mi amiga cogió un ataque cuando perdió su teléfono. (My friend had a panic attack when she lost her phone.)
Congratulations! You’ve expanded your knowledge of how to express panic in Spanish. Remember to practice these phrases in context to improve your fluency. Panic is a universal feeling, and being able to communicate it accurately is an essential part of language learning. Enjoy your Spanish journey and embrace the adventure!
