Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Bullying in Spanish
Acoso · noun · ah-KOH-soh
The Spanish word for bullying is 'acoso,' with 'acoso escolar' being the specific term for school bullying. The English loanword 'bullying' has been widely adopted across Latin America and is understood in most Spanish-speaking countries. In Colombia, the regional term 'matoneo' is also common.
Acoso is pronounced ah-KOH-soh. The stress falls on the second syllable. The English loanword 'bullying' is pronounced similarly to its English pronunciation in Spanish speech.
La escuela tiene un programa para prevenir el acoso escolar.
The school has a program to prevent bullying.
bullying in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for bullying, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| acoso | bullying | ah-KOH-soh | Default, widely understood |
| acoso escolar | bullying | specifically school bullying | |
| bullying | bullying | English loanword widely used across Latin America | |
| matoneo | bullying | Colombia |
How Native Speakers Use Acoso
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
School context
Es importante denunciar el acoso escolar a los profesores.
It is important to report bullying to the teachers.
Encouraging students to speak up about bullying.
Cyberbullying
El ciberacoso es un problema creciente entre los adolescentes.
Cyberbullying is a growing problem among teenagers.
Ciberacoso is the Spanish compound for cyberbullying.
Anti-bullying campaign
La campaña contra el bullying tuvo mucho impacto en la comunidad.
The anti-bullying campaign had a big impact on the community.
Using the English loanword, common in Latin American media.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Acoso
Too broad a term
Incorrect: Sufrí acoso en la oficina. (meaning school bullying)
Correct: Sufrí acoso escolar. / Sufrí acoso laboral.
Acoso alone means harassment in general. Add 'escolar' for school bullying or 'laboral' for workplace harassment to be specific.
Verb form error
Incorrect: Él está bullying a otros niños.
Correct: Él está acosando a otros niños.
When using the Spanish verb, the correct form is 'acosar' (to bully/harass). Do not conjugate the English word 'bullying' with Spanish grammar.
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See Acoso used by native speakers
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Common Questions About bullying in Spanish
- Is the English word 'bullying' used in Spanish?
- The English loanword 'bullying' is widely used and understood across Latin America, particularly in media and educational campaigns, though 'acoso escolar' remains the formal Spanish equivalent.
- What is the difference between acoso and bullying?
- Acoso is a broader Spanish word meaning harassment of any kind, while bullying (and its Spanish equivalent 'acoso escolar') specifically targets repeated intimidation in school settings.
- How do you say 'bully' as a person in Spanish?
- A bully can be called 'acosador' (masculine) or 'acosadora' (feminine), or more informally 'abusón' or 'matón' in different regions.