Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ira | /ˈiɾa/ | feminine |
| cólera | /ˈkoleɾa/ | feminine |
In Spanish, several words can express the concept of great anger. Ira is the standard term for the concept or the sin of wrath. Cólera often refers to a more sudden and explosive outburst of rage. Rabia is used to describe a furious and consuming wrath that is often associated with a loss of control. For expressing a violent and overwhelming wrath, you may use furia.
Which one should you use?
While both ira and cólera can be translated as wrath, they differ in nuance: ira is the standard term for the concept, whereas cólera implies a more sudden and explosive outburst of rage.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term cabreo is specific to Spain and is used colloquially to represent being angry or furious.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both ira and cólera are feminine nouns. Because ira is feminine, any adjectives accompanying it must also be feminine, such as ira divina (divine wrath).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈiɾa/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Tom leyó Las viñas de la ira en la secundaria.Tom read The Grapes of Wrath in high school.This sentence shows the use of ira in a book title.Tatoeba #2171496 by hayastan, translation #1545349 by Spamster
- Este año haremos el Mes de la Ira en lugar del Mes del Orgullo.We're doing Wrath Month instead of Pride Month this year.This sentence shows the use of ira in a specific monthly event.Tatoeba #10091074 by manufrutos, translation #10077534 by shekitten
- Todos los súbditos del rey, temiendo su ira, seguido actuaban de forma muy servil.All the king's subjects, fearing his wrath, often acted quite servile.This sentence demonstrates how to use ira to describe the wrath of a king.Tatoeba #3158461 by cueyayotl, translation #1987 by mkacfr
- Desató su ira contra sus adversarios.He unleashed his wrath upon his adversaries.
- Su cólera era evidente mientras salía furiosamente de la habitación.His wrath was evident as he stormed out of the room.
- El dictador gobernó con ira y furia.The dictator ruled with wrath and fury.
- Ya no pudo ocultar su enojo.She couldn't hide her wrath anymore.
- Estaba ardiendo de ira.He was burning with wrath.
- La ira del rey sacudió todo el reino.The king's wrath shook the entire kingdom.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a character in a novel.
- MateoLa ira del villano es increíble.The villain's wrath is incredible.
- LucíaSí, su ira destruye todo a su paso.Yes, his wrath destroys everything in its path.
- Mateo¿Crees que el protagonista podrá calmar su ira?Do you think the protagonist can calm his wrath?
- LucíaEs muy difícil controlar tanta ira.It is very difficult to control such wrath.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wrath” translations and entries ira, cólera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cólera, ira, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
