a gritos
Lemma Details
Translation: loudly; at the top of one's voice; screaming; yelling
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This adverbial phrase combines the preposition 'a' (to, at) with the plural noun 'gritos' (shouts, screams) from the verb 'gritar' (to shout). The construction follows a common Spanish pattern of forming adverbial expressions using 'a' + noun, similar to phrases like 'a ciegas' (blindly) or 'a oscuras' (in the dark).
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El bebé lloraba a gritos toda la noche.
The baby was crying loudly all night.
La situación está pidiendo a gritos una solución.
The situation is desperately crying out for a solution.
Discutían a gritos en medio de la calle.
They were arguing loudly in the middle of the street.
La verdad saltaba a gritos, pero nadie quería verla.
The truth was screaming to be noticed, but nobody wanted to see it.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'gritos' as similar to the English 'great shouts' - when something is done 'a gritos', it's done with great shouting.
- Associate 'a gritos' with the image of someone cupping their hands around their mouth and shouting at the top of their lungs.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is commonly used in Spanish to emphasize the intensity of verbal communication. It can indicate both literal loudness and figurative urgency or obviousness. The phrase appears frequently in everyday speech and literature to describe passionate arguments, desperate pleas, or situations that metaphorically 'scream' for attention.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'a gritos' refers specifically to shouting or screaming loudly, 'a voces' means 'out loud' or 'vocally' but doesn't necessarily imply the same intensity or volume.
Confused word:
El secreto se comentaba a voces en toda la oficina.
The secret was being openly discussed throughout the office.
Notes: 'A gritos' often carries emotional connotations of anger, pain, or urgency, while 'a voces' simply indicates audible speech.
Mnemonic: 'Gritos' involves more intensity and emotion than 'voces' - think of 'gritos' as screams and 'voces' as voices.
Explanation: While 'a gritos' is plural and refers to shouting in general, 'a grito pelado' is singular and more specifically refers to shouting at the absolute top of one's lungs, often with a raw throat.
Notes: 'A grito pelado' is more intense and specific than the more general 'a gritos'.
Mnemonic: 'Pelado' means 'bare' or 'raw' - so 'a grito pelado' is shouting until your throat is raw.