tortura
/toɾˈtuɾa/feminine
The English word 'torture' is translated into Spanish as tortura.
The noun tortura refers to the intentional causing of someone's agony. You can also use the related verb torturar to describe the act of intentionally inflicting unnecessary pain or suffering on helpless victims.
Meaning: intentional causing of somebody's experiencing agony (noun)
Which one should you use?
While tortura is the standard term, you may encounter other words depending on the context. Suplicio is a formal term used to refer to the act of torture. In formal or legal settings, the term sevicia can be used to denote physical or psychological torment. If you want to describe causing mental or emotional anguish specifically, use the verb atormentar.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun tortura is a feminine noun. Its plural form is torturas. The verb form is torturar.
How do you pronounce it?
/toɾˈtuɾa/
Did you know?
- While tortura is the common word, the formal term suplicio shares a root with súplica, meaning 'plea' or 'prayer'. It historically refers to the moment a victim begged for mercy.
- The word tortura shares a root with the English word 'tortuous', which describes something full of twists and turns.
- In Spanish, the phrase es una tortura is frequently used as a common hyperbole to describe mundane annoyances, such as a long line at the bank or a boring lecture.
Examples in context
- No diríamos nada, incluso si nos torturan.We wouldn't say anything even under torture.This sentence shows how to use tortura in the context of withholding information.Tatoeba #1406064 by marcelostockle, translation #1406043 by Eldad
- Él fue sometido a torturas por la Policía.He was subjected to torture by the police.This sentence illustrates how tortura is used when describing being subjected to it by authorities.Tatoeba #1600510 by marcelostockle, translation #295738 by Eldad
- La ley no permite la confesión bajo tortura.The law does not accept confession under torture.This sentence demonstrates the use of tortura regarding legal confessions.Tatoeba #998225 by Shishir, translation #4398841 by XenoKat
- La tortura es un delito imperdonable en cualquier sociedad civilizada.Torture is an unforgivable crime in any civilized society.
- No aguanto más, es un castigo tener que esperar tanto tiempo.I can't stand it anymore, it's torture having to wait so long.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a dark historical documentary.
- DanielEsa película mostraba la tortura medieval.That movie showed medieval torture.
- SofíaFue una experiencia muy fuerte para mí.It was a very intense experience for me.
- DanielEs difícil entender tanta crueldad.It is hard to understand such cruelty.
- SofíaSí, el director lo retrató de forma realista.Yes, the director portrayed it realistically.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “torture” translations and entries tortura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tortura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
