consternación

consternation

noun kon-stehr-nah-SYOHN Rare

Origin: Latin consternatio, from consternare (to dismay)

Also means

dismay

Usage Note

Consternación expresses a reaction of shock and distress, stronger than simple surprise. It is typically followed by por ('consternación por la noticia') and is a formal, written-register word. The verb form is consternar, and you can say quedarse consternado ('to be left aghast').

Examples

"La noticia causó consternación en la familia."

Natural Translation

The news caused consternation in the family.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Spain vs Latin American Spanish: Key Differences

Spain and Latin American Spanish are fully mutually intelligible. Compare vosotros vs ustedes, coche vs carro, the 'th' sound, and learn which one to study.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Memorize Spanish Vocabulary Fast (That Sticks)

Memorize Spanish vocabulary fast with a 15-minute daily loop: spaced repetition, frequency-first words, and example-sentence cards that actually stick.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Accent Marks: 3 Rules for Every Word

A Spanish word needs an accent mark in just three cases: it breaks the default stress, it's a homophone, or a weak vowel splits off. Here are all three rules.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Respond to ¿Cómo Estás? (Not Just Bien)

Respond to ¿cómo estás? like a native: add gracias, bounce back ¿y tú?, and pick a reply by mood — bien, no me quejo, más o menos, or ahí voy.

June 3, 2026 6 min read