Spanish Conversation · Level 46
75 words
Spanish word
venganza
Pronunciation
IPA/beŋˈganθa/
Meaning
- feminine nounrevenge
Example
No valió la pena buscar venganza.
It wasn't worth seeking revenge.
More examples
Tomar venganza rara vez soluciona algo.
Taking revenge rarely solves anything.
Core concept
Payback or retaliation carried out to settle a personal wrong.
Common phrases
tomar venganza
take revenge
buscar venganza
seek revenge
Similar words
revancha: Aims to avenge a loss or humiliation, often to settle a competitive score.
desquite: Takes revenge specifically to remove bitterness and vindicate oneself.
vendetta: Pursues revenge across time, often targeting relatives in an enduring feud.
ajuste de cuentas: Meticulously settles personal accounts or grudges through retaliatory actions.
Definition in Spanish
Acción de causar daño a otra persona en respuesta a una ofensa o agravio, con la intención de vengarse.
Word origin
The noun venganza is formed from vengar (ultimately from Latin vindicare 'to claim, to avenge') plus the suffix -anza, creating a word for the action or result of avenging.
Usage tips
- In formal or political contexts Spanish speakers often use represalia for retaliation, while venganza is used for personal, morally charged revenge.