Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alborotador | /alboɾotaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| embrollón | /embɾoˈʝon/ | masculine |
| enredador | /enredaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| gamberro | /ɡamˈbero/ | masculine |
| provocador | /pɾobokaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| buscapleitos | /buskapleitos/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine |
| pendenciero | /pendenˈθjeɾo/ /pendenˈsjeɾo/ |
masculine |
Spanish uses different words for a troublemaker depending on the specific type of trouble being caused. Some terms describe someone who causes noisy disturbances, while others describe someone who is a delinquent or someone who deliberately incites conflict.
What does it mean word for word?
It literally means one who makes a racket or commotion.
Which one should you use?
Alborotador implies someone who causes a noisy disturbance. In contrast, gamberro implies someone who is a hooligan or behaves with a sense of delinquency. If the person is specifically trying to incite a reaction or an argument, use provocador, which means provocateur. Pendenciero is used to describe someone who is prone to fighting or quarrels.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Pendenciero is a more formal or literary way to describe someone who is quarrelsome. Gamberro is an informal term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Buscapleitos is gender-neutral and can be used for both masculine and feminine subjects. While alborotador is the masculine form, you can use the feminine form alborotadora by changing the final -o to -a.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of alborotador is /alboɾotaˈdoɾ/.
Did you know?
- The word enredador comes from the verb enredar, meaning 'to tangle'. It describes a troublemaker who creates a complex web of lies or confusion to cause chaos.
- In Spanish, the noun pleito in buscapleitos refers to a legal lawsuit as well as a fight. A buscapleitos is therefore someone who looks for both street fights and courtroom battles.
- The word gamberro is a fascinating linguistic mystery because its exact origin is unknown to linguists.
Examples in context
- Siempre supe que Tom era un alborotador.I always knew Tom was a troublemaker.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use alborotador to describe a person.Tatoeba #10788125 by megamanenm, translation #7517478 by CK
- El profesor señaló a Juan como el alborotador del salón.The teacher pointed at Juan as the troublemaker in the classroom.
- En la reunión de padres, el profesor describió a Julia como una alumna problemática.During the parent-teacher meeting, the teacher described Julia as a problematic student.
- No te juntes con Pedro, es un pendenciero y solo busca problemas.Don't hang out with Pedro, he's a troublemaker and always looking for trouble.
- Ese niño es un alborotador.That boy is a troublemaker.
- No seas un alborotador en la clase.Don't be a troublemaker in class.
Example conversation
A teacher is talking to a student about his behavior.
- MaríaAlejandro, eres un alborotador.Alejandro, you are a troublemaker.
- AlejandroNo soy un alborotador, María.I am not a troublemaker, María.
- MaríaSolo causas problemas en la escuela.You only cause problems at school.
- AlejandroLo siento, trataré de portarme bien.I am sorry, I will try to behave.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “troublemaker” translations and entries alborotador, embrollón, enredador, gamberro, provocador, buscapleitos, pendenciero, 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 alborotador, embrollón, enredador, gamberro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
