Spanish word

peripecia

Pronunciation

IPA/peɾiˈpeθja/

Meaning

  • feminine nounadventure

Example

Fue una peripecia que nadie esperaba.

It was an adventure that nobody expected.

Illustration for peripecia (adventure)

More examples

Ella siempre cuenta las peripecias que le ocurren en el día a día.

She always recounts the events that happen to her day to day.

Core concept

Unexpected turning point that alters a planned course of events.

Common phrases

  • contar una peripecia

    recount an adventure

  • las peripecias cotidianas

    everyday events

  • evitar peripecias

    avoid mishaps

Similar words

contratiempo: Unexpected setback that disrupts planned schedules or arrangements.
percance: Minor mishap or small accident that causes inconvenience.
imprevisto: Unanticipated event that appears without prior warning.
giro: Sudden twist that changes the direction of a situation or story.

Definition in Spanish

Evento inesperado que altera el curso previsto de una situación.

Word origin

From Greek peripeteia ('sudden turn' or 'reversal'), entering Spanish via Latin and Romance forms to mean an unexpected event that changes a situation's planned course.

Usage tips

  • More literary or dramatic than incidente or percance, so speakers often use those words for everyday minor mishaps.

Other meanings

  • incidentnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word